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PRINCETON  .  NEW  JERSEY 

FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
ROBERT  ELLIOTT  SPEER 


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Gates,  Helen  Dunn. 
A  consecrated  life 


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A  CONSECRATED   LIFE 


A  Sketch  of  the  Life  and  Labors  of 


Rev.  Ransom  Dunn,  D.D. 


1 8 18-1900 


Bjy  his  daughter 

Helen  Dunn  Gates 


BOSTON,  MASS. : 
THE    MORNING    STAR    PUBLISHING    HOUSE 

457    Shawmut   Avenue 

IQOI 


Copyright,  igoi 
By  Morning  Star  Publishing  House 


TO  THE  MANY  WHO  KNEW  AND  LOVED  HIM, 
AND  THE  STILL  LARGER  NUMBER  TO  WHOM 
HIS  LIFE  HAS  BEEN  AN  INSPIRATION  AND  HIS 
WORK  A  BLESSING,  THIS  VOLUME  IS  GIVEN  BY 
HIS  DAUGHTERS,  WITH  THE  HOPE  THAT  IT  MAY  BE 
NOT  ONLY  A  LOVING  TRIBUTE  TO  HIS  MEMORY, 
BUT  AN  INCENTIVE  TO  OTHERS  TO  "  SPEND  AND 
BE  SPENT"  IN  THE  SERVICE  OF  HIM  WHO 
"  LOVED     US      AND    GAVE     HIMSELF    FOR     US." 


Preface 


At  the  urgent  request  of  many  friends  this 
story  of  the  life  of  Ransom  Dunn  has  been  pre- 
pared. He  was  a  worker,  not  a  record  keeper, 
and  much  of  his  service  is  known  only  to  the 
Master  whom  he  served.  His  thought  was  ever 
for  others,  not  of  himself.  His  public  efforts 
were  largely  extemporaneous  and  much  of  his 
ablest  work  without  proper  reports.  But  he 
kept  at  times  brief  journals  for  his  convenience, 
and  always  preserved  all  letters  received  from 
friends.  From  these  and  the  family  letters,  and 
many  other  sources,  facts  have  been  gathered. 

For  the  kind  assistance  of  numerous  friends 
who  have  helped  to  make  possible  the  comple- 
tion of  this  work,  our  thanks  are  due.  Also  to 
the  Morning  Star  Publishing  House  for  the  use  of 
its  files,  to  Mr.  George  A.  Slayton  for  the  files  of 
The  Christian  Freeman,  to   Mrs.  H.  J.  Carr  for 


vi  PREFACE 

files  of  Hillsdale  College  publications,  and  to 
Rev.  D.  M.  Fisk  for  his  biographical  sketch  of 
Professor  Dunn. 

If  this  sketch  may  bring  to  the  memory  of  the 
old  friends  who  have  not  gone  on  to  meet  him 
this  energetic,  consecrated  worker,  or  recall  to 
alumni  of  Hillsdale  College  the  genial,  saintly 
professor  whom  all  students  loved,  or  stir  some 
young  hearts  to  more  devoted  Christian  service, 
it  will  have  achieved  its  object. 

Helen  Dunn  Gates. 

Scranton,  Pa.,  July,  1901. 


Contents 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.    ANCESTRY— Early  Life  in  New  England 

— 1818-1834   I 

11.    Early  Christian  Experience— Call  to 

Service— 1835-1836 17 

in.    Evangelistic    work  in   Ohio— ''The 

BOY    PREACHER"  —  1837-1843     ...       31 

IV.  A  HOME  IN  OHIO— Geauga  Seminary- 

Eastern  Pastorates— 1843-1848  .  .     55 

V.  THE    First  Great   Sorrow  — Boston 

pastorate— Prostrated— 1848-1852   8r 

VI.  Michigan    Central  College  — Hills- 

dale College  agency— home  Mis- 
sion WORK— 1853-1855 103 

VII.    Hillsdale  College— Boston— Illinois 

—The    Civil  War— 1855 -1863   ...   125 

Vlll.     THEOLOGICAL    DEPARTMENT— EUROPEAN 

TRAVEL— Nebraska— 1863-1865 ...    158 

IX.    College  presidencies— Rio  Grande- 
Hillsdale— 1875-1885    181 


viii  CONTENTS 

X.     TEACHER    AND    AUTHOR  —  ALONE— 1886- 

1896 212 

xi.    last    years  in  college  —  eightieth 

Birthday— 1896-1898 241 

XII.    Closing  Days— 1898-1900 258 

XIII.  IN  MEMORIAM— Nov.  9,  1900 275 

XIV.  Personal  Character— Life  Lessons  .   299 

Selected  Thoughts  and  Words 

AN  Introductory  word 323 

Letters : 

Extracts  from  Letters  from  abroad  326 
Extracts    from    Letters  from  Cali- 
fornia   335 

Skeletons  of  Sermons    341 

a  sermon:  "the  power  of  faith"   •  •  •  •  345 

articles  from  papers  : 

christ's  prayer  for  union 356 

revivals 357 

Substitutional  atonement 360 

COMMON  Sense  and  Religion 362 

Preaching  the  gospel 367 

THE   Successful    Pastor    (An  Ocean 

Park  Lecture) 367 

WHERE  Shall  I  Go  to  School?  ....   372 

Brief  Quotations 374 

The  Fatherhood  of  God 376 


Illustrations 


Frontispiece — Prof.  Ransom  Dunn,  D.  D. 

Ransom  Dunn's  mother ii 

The  old  home  in  Bakersfield,  Vermont 24 

"  The  Boy  Preacher  "—his  first  picture 49 

Rev.  Ransom  Dunn  in  1845 •  74 

Mrs.  Mary  Eliza  Dunn,  Ransom,  and   Cedelia  ...  82 
The  Boston  pastor  and  his  wife,   Mrs.   Cyrena  E. 

Dunn 90 

Professor  Ransom  Dunn,  about  1855 114 

Hillsdale  College,  the  original  building 129 

Little  Cyrena  and  her  mother 133 

A  Literary  Society  Hall  in  Hillsdale  College 145 

The  monument  to  the  student  soldiers 162 

Professor  F.  W.  Dunn 177 

Hillsdale  College  in  1876 179 

Rio  Grande  College 183 

Professor  Ransom  Dunn,  D.  D.,  1875 187 

Mrs.  Dunn,  1875 191 

The  home   in  Hillsdale 202 

The  study  window 222 

In  California      234 

The  three  daughters 250 

"Grandpa  Dunn" 264 


ANCESTRY.— EARLY  LIFE   IN   NEW  ENGLAND 

To  few  is  granted  the  privilege  of  so  long  a  life 
in  such  an  important  period  of  the  world's  history 
as  the  one  whose  life  we  attempt  to  chronicle. 
To  have  lived  nearly  the  whole  of  the  nineteenth 
century  and  watched  the  development  of  our 
country  and  the  world,  to  have  seen  the  immense 
strides  taken  in  science  and  invention,  the  im- 
provements in  modes  of  travel  and  in  conven- 
iences of  the  homes  of  the  people,  was  indeed  a 
a  privilege. 

When  Ransom  Dunn  first  opened  his  eyes  in  a 
pioneer's  cabin  in  New  England  it  was  to  see  the 
flickering  candle  and  the  light  from  the  log  fire- 
place. He  lived  to  see  the  lamp,  the  gas,  and 
the  electric  light ;  to  feel  the  comforting  warmth 
from  the  wood  stove,  coal  furnace,  and  steam- 
heating  plant.  The  settlers  in  those  early  days 
heard  from  each  other  rarely,  only  when  some 
1 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

one  journeyed  from  place  to  place  on  foot  or 
horseback.  To-day  the  white  wings  of  the  pos- 
tal service  are  everywhere,  the  flying  express 
carries  messages,  and  the  telegraph  carries  them 
faster  still,  while  through  the  telephone  we  hear 
even  the  voices  of  friends  from  long  distances. 
The  journeys  of  those  times  were  taborious  efforts 
by  stage-coach  or  private  conveyance  over  roads 
made  by  occasional  travelers.  The  bicycle,  auto- 
mobile, and  electric  car  were  not  dreamed  of,  and 
the  first  proposals  of  steamboat  and  railway 
laughed  at.  Then  the  doctor  carried  in  his  saddle- 
bags his  small  stock  of  medicines,  and  with  his 
limited  medical  knowledge  ministered  to  the  needs 
of  the  scattered  population.  Now  the  science  of 
surgery  and  medicine,  with  its  many  life-saving 
means  and  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  its  hos- 
pitals with  trained  nurses,  as  well  as  educated 
specialists,  performs  wonders  for  suffering  human- 
ity. Invention  has  changed  the  methods  of  agri- 
culture and  business ;  book  making  has  become 
an  art,  and  book  reading  universal.  Changes  in 
public  sentiment  in  regard  to  republican  ideas, 
antislavery  principles,  the  temperance  question, 
and  other  moral  reforms  have  been  marked  ;  while 


EARLY  LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

Christian  activities  for  the  masses  in  the  great 
cities  that  have  grown  up  in  our  country,  and 
for  the  teeming  populations  of  other  lands,  have 
been  wonderfully  increased. 

Ransom  Dunn,  in  his  long  life,  not  only  saw 
and  felt  these  changes  but  was  a  part  of  them,  a 
factor  in  their  development.  His  life  of  over 
eighty  years  was  a  record  whose  every  page  has 
its  felt  influence  and  permanent  result.  But  to 
study  "it  rightly  we  must  begin  back  of  its  active 
work,  for,  as  one  historian  has  well  said,  "the 
entire  man  is  seen  in  the  cradle  of  the  child. 
We  must  watch  the  infant  in  his  mother's  arms; 
we  must  see  the  first  images  which  the  external 
world  casts  upon  the  dark  mirror  of  his  mind,  the 
first  occurrences  which  he  witnesses  ;  we  must 
hear  the  first  words  which  awaken  the  sleeping 
powers  of  thought, — if  we  would  understand  the 
prejudices,  the  habits  and  passions,  which  will 
rule  his  life."  Still  farther  back,  indeed,  should 
we  trace  the  life  stream  and  know  the  ancestry 
and  their  environments,  and  the  influences  thus 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  life  of  the  individual. 

It  will  be  interesting,  then,  to  learn  some  facts 
in  regard  to  the  Dunn  family.  In  1635  there 
3 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

sailed  from  London,  for  the  new  colony  of  Vir- 
ginia, the  ship  Barmaneston,  Captain  James 
Ricroft.  The  government,  thinking  that  too 
many  were  leaving  England,  ordered  that  each 
alternate  name  should  be  erased  from  the  list 
enrolled  for  passage.  Thus  the  name  of  Oliver 
Cromwell  was  stricken  out  and  he  remained  in 
England,  while  the  name  of  Joseph  Dunn,  the 
next  on  the  list,  was  retained,  and  he  came 
to  America.  His  son  Thomas  was  made  secre- 
tary of  the  party  that  was  going  on  to  New 
England.  Most  of  these  settled  in  Massachu- 
setts. John  Dunn,  the  grandson  of  Thomas, 
lived  in  Barnstable,  and  here  in  1716  was 
born  the  little  Doratha,  the  first  child  born 
in  that  town.  Four  other  children  came  to 
his  home,  the  youngest  being  George,  who  settled 
in  Oakham,  Mass.  He  was  drafted  by  the  Eng- 
lish for  the  French  and  Indian  War  in  1745,  and 
was  taken  prisoner  and  carried  to  France,  ex- 
changed and  sent  to  Quebec.  When  he  returned 
to  Massachusetts  after  an  absence  of  seven  years, 
he  found  his  wife  had  been  dead  five  years.  The 
little  boy  she  left  him,  Alexander  Dunn,  became  a 
lieutenant  in  the  American  army,  and  died  in  the 


EARLY  LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

battle  of  Saratoga  in  1777.  The  father  also  en- 
tered the  army  of  the  Revolution,  and,  after  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  was  in  the  battle  of  White 
Plains,  where  he  died  on  the  field  or  was  taken 
with  other  prisoners  to  starve  in  the  "British 
hell-hole,"  as  the  Long  Island  prison  was  called. 
He  had  married  again  and  left  a  family  of  eight 
children,  who  became  scattered,  some  going  to 
Ohio,  others  to  New  York  and  Michigan.  One 
son,  James,  settled  in  Bakersfield,  Vt.,  about 
1795.  Tl"ie  next  to  the  youngest  was  John,  who 
seems  to  have  been  an  active,  energetic  young 
man.  He  was  a  "  teacher  of  singing  schools  and 
reading  schools,"  and  loved  to  travel  from  place 
to  place  to  see  and  learn  all  he  could.  His  brother 
Joel  wrote  him  from  New  Braintree,  in  1796:  '*  I 
advise  you  to  "stop  roving,  for  it  is  in  vain  to 
satisfy  the  eye  you  have  roved  over  hill  and 
vaUey.  I  am  in  hopes  you  will  get  a  piece  of 
land,  and  labor  for  yourself,  so  that  you  can  reap 
the  rewards  in  old  age." 

But  it  was  not  so  much  the  advice  of  his 
brother  as  the  face  of  a  Cornish  maiden,  that  led 
him  to  look  for  a  home.  For  when  his  school 
closed   in   Cornish,  N.  H.,  in  1796,  he  married 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Betsy  Bartlett,  the  daughter  of  a  well-to-do  family 
of  that  town.  The  honeymoon  might  not  have 
suited  some  maidens  of  to-day,  for  when  he  left 
her  in  the  spring  he  had  no  chance  to  hear  from 
her  or  send  her  a  letter  until  September,  when  he 
wrote:  "  I  arrived  safely  in  Bakersfield,  and  have 
been  at  work  on  my  house,  which  will  soon  be  fit 
to  live  in.  I  shall  be  down  to  see  you  in  eight 
weeks.  It  will  be  best  to  move  in  February, 
when  sleighing  is  good."  The  house  to  which  he 
took  his  young  wife  was  a  log  cabin,  the  eleventh 
one  built  in  that  town.  The  location  is  thus 
described:  ''One  of  the  numerous  branches  of 
the  Green  Mountains  terminates  about  fifteen 
miles  east  of  St.  Albans  and  thirty  miles  north  of 
Burlington  in  the  town  of  Bakersfield.  To  the 
southwest,  some  three  or  four  miles,  lay  *  Fletcher 
Hills  '  with  a  sort  of  opening  between  them  and 
the  blue  head  of  Mt.  Mansfield,  some  twenty-»five 
miles  distant,  whose  white  cap  is  seldom  laid 
aside  until  nearly  July."  John  Dunn  had  thought 
to  make  a  home  in  the  Genesee  valley  in  New 
York  State,  where  relatives  had  gone  and  sent 
back  reports  of  rich  lands  to  be  secured  at  cheap 
prices.     But  the  relatives  of  his  wife  objected  to 

6 


EARLY  LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

their  going  to  "such  a  wilderness,  so  far  away," 
and  he  remained  in  New  England.  It  may  be 
questioned  whether  this  was  Providential  leading, 
whether  the  sturdy  sons  reared  in  the  cold  snows 
of  Vermont,  and  coming  in  contact  with  the 
awakening  religious  life  of  that  period  in  New 
England,  might  not  have  been  ''speculators  in- 
stead of  preachers,"  as  one  of  them  said,  had 
they  been  in  a  new  and  fertile  country.  John 
Dunn,  however,  found  New  England,  near  the 
Canada  line,  sufficiently  new  and  near  enough  to 
a  wilderness  to  demand  hard  work,  and  he  went 
at  it  with  determination.  Three  children,  two 
sons  and  a  daughter,  came  to  the  home  to  add  to 
the  enjoyment  as  well  as  care.  In  the  midst  of 
the  hard  but  happy  work  the  wife  suddenly  died, 
and  left  him  alone  with  the  little  ones. 

One  of  his  neighbors  was  Major  Elkanah  Reed, 
whose  family  had  moved  from  Massachusetts  to 
Townshend,  Vermont,  and  this  young  man  had 
just  made  a  home  in  Bakersfield  for  his  young 
girl-wife.  An  older  sister,  Abigail  Reed,  was 
with  them,  and  out  of  sympathy  for  the  little 
children  went  to  Mr.  Dunn's  home  to  help  in  time 
of  need.  Her  quiet,  kind  ways  soon  won  the 
7 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

heart  of  the  father  as  well  as  the  children,  and 
she  became  his  wife.  Among  old  papers  are 
found  letters  from  her  parents,  Thomas  and  Ruth 
Reed,  of  Townshend,  to  their  "  loving  children," 
Abigail  and  John,  expressing  appreciation  of  let- 
ters sent,  and  urging  them  to  ''send  at  every 
opportunity."  These  letters  show  the  strong 
family  attachment  and  also  the  circumstances  of 
the  times  without  postal  facilities.  Ransom  re- 
members, when  he  was  five  years  old,  his  mother's 
grief  when  a  letter  from  her  sister,  Mrs.  Ruth 
Reed  Wright,  told  how  their  mother  had  died  at 
Westminster,  and  asking  that  relatives  at  Fletcher 
be  informed  of  the  sad  event.  The  letter  is  in 
the  possession  of  the  family,  and  closes  with  these 
pathetic  words  .  'M  want  to  see  you  so  much,  and 
brother  Thomas  promises  to  go  with  me  two 
years  from  this  winter  if  life  and  health  are  pre- 
served " — a  sad  commentary  on  the  poverty  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  and  the  lack  of  traveling 
accommodations. 

Eight  children  were  born  to  John  and  Abigail 
Dunn,  four  daughters  and  four  sons,  all  of  whom 
not  only  had  enviable  reputations  in  their  neigh- 
borhood, but  lived  to  hold  positions  of  influence, 
8 


EARLY   LIFE   IN   NEW  ENGLAND 

and  some  of  them  to  be  widely  known.  The 
four  sons  became  ministers.  Hiram,  the  oldest, 
preached  forty-five  years  as  a  Methodist  Episco- 
pal minister,  and  took  into  the  church  nearly 
five  thousand  people.  He  died  suddenly  in  1876, 
in  the  midst  of  a  revival  at  Valley  Falls,  N.  Y., 
where  over  one  hundred  had  professed  conver- 
sion. Lewis  was  a  Baptist  minister  and  preached 
for  twenty-nine  years  in  Fairfax,  Vermont,  hold- 
ing the  respect  and  love  of  the  people  by  his 
ability  and  character.  He  became  president  of 
Pella  College,  Iowa,  where  he  died  on  Thanks- 
giving Day,  1888,  honored  and  esteemed  by  a 
large  circle  of  friends.  His  son,  Rev.  A.  T. 
Dunn,  D.  D.,  of  Waterville,  Me.,  is  the  General 
Secretary  of  the  State  Baptist  Association ;  and  a 
daughter,  Mrs.  Cornelia  Henry,  is  a  missionary 
in  Tahiti.  The  youngest  son  of  John  Dunn  was 
Thomas,  an  evangelist  of  great  earnestness,  a 
chaplain  in  the  army,  and  appointed  by  General 
Butler  superintendent  of  schools  for  colored  chil- 
dren in  New  Orleans,  where  he  died  in  1862. 
The  other  son  was  Ransom,  the  tenth  child  of 
his  father  and  seventh  of  his  mother,  born  July  7, 
18 18.  At  his  birth,  when  his  mother's  sister, 
9 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Aunt  Betsy  Reed  Carroll,  asked  what  should  be 
his  name,  the  answer  came  quickly,  **  Ransom, 
for  he  is  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord."  Years 
proved  that  he  was  truly  so,  and  also  a  chosen 
vessel  for  the  King's  service,  for  he  spent  sixty- 
four  years  in  the  ministry ;  forty-three  years  as 
a  professor  in  a  Christian  college,  thirty-five  of 
these  as  a  teacher  of  theology.  Thus  these  four 
brothers  gave  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  to  the 
Christian  ministry. 

A  home  that  could  start  such  influences  must 
have  characteristics  worthy  of  study.  The  father 
was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intellectual 
ability.  He  was  a  close  thinker,  and  few  dared 
to  oppose  him  in  argument.  With  little  help  from 
others  he  made  himself  an  acknowledged  author- 
ity on  many  questions.  He  helped  to  establish  a 
village  library  and  was  himself  its  most  constant 
reader.  He  was  a  practical  and  industrious  man, 
however,  not  a  dreamer.  Working  on  his  farm, 
or  as  a  mason  or  carpenter,  he  kept  his  large 
family  in  comfortable  circumstances  and  trained 
them  to  work.  As  Ransom  expressed  it,  '*  he 
was  a  living  example  of  mind  in  action."  He 
served  as  justice  of  the  peace  in  his  town,  and  as 

10 


EARLY   LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 


Mother  of  Ransom  Dunn. 


sheriff  of  the  county,  and  no  one  was  more  called 
on  as  administrator  of  estates  and  for  other  busi- 
ness matters  than  "Squire  Dunn."  In  the  War 
of  1812  he  was  captain  of  a  company. 

The  mother   was  industrious  and  frugal,  mild 

and   even-tempered.     She  was  never  known   to 

speak  harshly,  yet  controlled  well  the  children, 

— "a.  kind,  patient,    hard-working  mother."     A 

11 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

letter,  written  by  a  relative  who  visited  her  in 
1845,  speaks  of  '*  Aunt  Dunn  just  as  good  and 
motherly  as  ever."  Her  son  says  of  her  and  the 
home:  **  The  soil  was  hard  and  stony,  the  cli- 
mate rigorous,  my  father's  health  always  feeble, 
and  without  taxing  the  imagination  it  is  easy  to 
see  dark  and  trying  days  in  that  old  log  house  with 
that  large  family,  and  especially  during  the  war 
and  the  cold  season  that  followed.  I  have  heard 
my  mother  tell  something  of  them,  though  she 
never  complained.  Her  piety  was  not  demonstra- 
tive, but  her  goodness  of  heart  and  daily  example 
were  an  inestimable  blessing  to  the  family."  She 
is  well  remembered  by  younger  relatives  as  an  old 
lady,  in  the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Roys, 
of  Woonsocket,  Conn.,  where  she  died  in  1858. 
Although  eighty  years  of  age,  and  nearly  blind  from 
old  age  and  a  growing  cataract,  she  was  bright 
and  interested  in  affairs,  and  to  the  last  devoted 
to  her  children. 

In  this  quiet  atmosphere  of  undemonstrative 
affection  and  earnest  thinking,  the  little  Ransom 
grew  up.  Being  next  to  the  youngest,  and  a  deli- 
-cate  child,  he  was  much  in  the  house  with  mother 
and  sisters.  May  not  this  account  in  part  for  the 
12 


EARLY  LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

tender   side   of  his   nature   and   for   tlie  marked 
courtesy  and  gallantry  toward  women  throughout 
his  life  ?     A  nervous  affection  threatened  his  life 
when  small,  and  the  care  of    a  sister,  who  kept 
him  in  the  open  air  in  the  little  home-made  cart, 
saved  his  life,  as  he  believed.     Was  it  then  he 
gained  his  love  for  the  hills  of  Vermont,  the  dark 
foliage  against  the  ever-changing  clouds,  and  the 
rippling  brooks  below  ?     This  love  for  New  Eng- 
land scenery  never  left  him,  and  he  always  visited 
the   old   home   scenes    whenever   possible.     His 
wife  on  one  of  these  visits  in   their  later  years 
wrote  to  a  daughter:   ''Your  father  is  enjoying 
roaming  over  these  mountains  as'  usual,  and  no 
wonder,  for  the  view  is  grand.     We  are  waiting 
for  a  glimpse  of  'the  old  man'  (Mt.  Mansfield) 
through  the  mists  before  we  leave  the  green  hills 
of   Vermont   and   go   through   the    heart   of  the 
White  Mountains  to  the  seashore." 

The  favorite  place  of  the  slender  little  boy  in 
the  old  home  was  on  the  floor  at  full  length  in 
front  of  the  large  log  fireplace,  with  a  book.  He 
learned  to  read  before  he  was  five  years  old,  by  a 
word  method  of  his  own,  before  the  days  of  kin- 
dergartens.    His  description  of  this  is  interesting. 

13 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

**  Every  boy,"  he  says,  ''has  a  starting-point 
from  which  he  takes  the  grand  leap  of  his  life. 
And  somewhat  in  accordance  with  the  character 
of  this  point  and  the  extent  of  the  leap  will  be 
his  destiny  for  life.  It  may  appear  trivial  at  the 
time,  perhaps  unseen  by  others,  and  possibly  for- 
gotten by  himself,  but  there  is  a  point  at  which 
the  intellect  breaks  forth,  in  connection  with  some- 
thing learned  or  something  performed,  into  a  more 
intellectual  or  spiritual  life.  With  me  the  '  big 
primer '  was  the  occasion,  trying  to  read  it  the 
great  effort.  A  small  primer  had  been  mastered, 
with  its  long  list  of  letters  and  monosyllables. 
But  now  the  book  with  long  words  and  stories 
was  presented.  With  firm  resolution  I  seated 
myself  upon  the  pile  of  chips  near  the  big  wood- 
pile, and  commenced  the  task  word  by  word,  let- 
ter by  letter.  How  slow  the  progress  !  While  I 
had  laboriously  read  only  one  page  my  father  had 
read  almost  half  a  volume  of  Gibbon's  *  Decline 
and  Fall,'  and  my  sister  nearly  finished  a  book  of 
*  Captain  Cook's  Travels.'  I  said,  '  I  will  read  as 
fast  as  anybody,'  and  I  did.  A  second  and  third 
reading  supplied  the  words  not  known,  and  cor- 
rected  mispronounced   ones,    and   with    untiring 

14 


EARLY  LIFE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

energy  and  application  I  soon  made  those  stories 
of  George  Washington  mine."  As  he  grew  older 
and  read  more  he  formed  the  habit  of  making 
abstracts  to  aid  his  memory  in  collecting  facts. 
Such  notes  on  the  history  of  Egypt,  and  also  ex- 
tracts on  practical  Christian  living,  made  when 
thirteen  years  old,  are  now  in  the  hands  of  his 
children  and  show  the  bent  of  his  mind. 

Childish  amusements  were  few,  but  a  great 
treat  was  ''muster  day,"  when  the  militia 
drilled  on  the  green  and  the  children  spent  their 
few  hard-earned  and  greedily  saved  pennies  for 
gingerbread.  The  picture  he  drew  in  later  life  of 
the  bombastic  ''  Colonel  "  who  had  never  been  in 
a  battle  and  whose  bravery  was  not  without 
question,  and  of  the  awkward  squad,  showed 
that  underneath  the  childish  curiosity  were  both  a 
vein  of  humor  and  a  keen  judgment  of  human 
nature. 

A  cousin  tells  of  him  that  his  playmates  ''  loved 
him  because  he  never  quarreled  with  them  but 
made  up  any  differences  that  might  arise  among 
the  children."  His  love  for  little  children  and  for 
helpless  animals  was  noticeable,  and  this  regard 
for  all   living  things   always  characterized   him. 

15 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

He  could  never  bear  to  hear  a  baby  cry,  and  one 
who  knew  him  said,  "  It  always  seemed  as  if  his 
face  said,  '  Let  the  little  ones  come  unto  me.*  " 


16 


II 


EARLY    CHRISTIAN    EXPERIENCE.— THE    CALL    TO 
SERVICE 

The  early  religious  experience  that  led  to  the 
decision  of  the  life-work  of  Ransom  Dunn  can 
fortunately  be  given  in  his  own  words,  from 
papers  found  in  his  desk  after  his  death.  "My 
father  and  mother  were  once  Methodists  but 
the  class  was  disbanded,  and  they  never  again 
united  with  an  organized  church.  But  my 
father,  though  naturally  inquisitive  and  doubtful 
respecting  everything  not  positively  demon- 
strated, never  denied  the  existence  of  a  God, 
the  truth  of  the  Bible,  or  the  doctrine  of  immor- 
tality. In  life  strictly  moral,  with  much  more 
general  knowledge  than  ordinary  men  of  his 
position  in  life,  he  lived  a  thoughtful  life  and 
at  last  died  in  peace.  My  mother  was  a  lover 
of   God  and  man,  with  a    belief   in    Christ  and 

17 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

redemption.  With  such  a  head  and  heart  to 
preside  over  the  family  there  was  no  excuse 
for  neglecting  study  or  worship. 

"  At  eight  years  of  age  my  thoughts  were  seri- 
ously turned  toward  God  by  the  conversion  of 
an  older  brother.  Several  times  I  retired  in 
the  evening  for  prayer,  as  1  had  seen  him  do ; 
but  a  strange  tearfulness  prevented,  and  1  con- 
cluded to  wait  four  years,  when  I  would  be  as 
old  as  my  brother.  From  that  time  my  inter- 
est in  religion  seemed  to  cease,  and  my  heart 
grew  harder.  But  at  the  end  of  four  years, 
my  conviction  of  sin  returned  with  added  sorrow 
for  loss  of  time.  My  first  attempts  at  prayer 
were  interrupted,  every  plan  for  reformation 
was  defeated,  and  another  year  was  lost  by 
mental  conflict  and  procrastination.  Much  of 
this  time,  attracted  by  a  new  church  and  Sun- 
day-school library,  I  walked  three  miles  for 
the  service,  improving  my  taste  for  reading, 
but  not  my  piety. 

"  About  this  time,  a  godly  sister  of  mine, 
Amanda  Dunn  Montague,  and  her  husband  in- 
vited a  few  other  Christians  in  the  neighbor- 
hood   to   meet  on   Sabbath  evenings   at  sunset 

18 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN  EXPERIENCE 

and  pray  for  a  revival.  I  knew  of  these  sea- 
sons of  prayer,  but  did  not  attend  until  a 
gentleman  returning  from  a  camp-meeting  full 
of  the  zeal  of  a  new  convert  went  through  the 
neighborhood  exhorting  the  people  to  seek  sal- 
vation. The  earnest  prayers  of  the  few  were 
heard  ;  the  revival  was  there  and  continued  for 
three  months  without  any  preacher.  Prayer 
meetings  in  private  houses,  seasons  of  prayer 
in  groves,  were  the  means  used  under  God  of 
gathering  most  of  the  young  people,  and  some 
heads  of  families,  but  no  children  of  my  age. 
On  one  Wednesday  evening  a  very  good  man, 
my  brother-in-law,  expressed  regret  that  no 
public  conversions  had  occurred  for  two  weeks, 
and  questioned  if  any  would  take  up  the  sad 
lamentation,  *  The  harvest  is  past,  and  the  sum- 
mer is  ended,  and  I  am  not  saved.'  The  text 
was  repeated  three  times,  and  to  me  it  was  the 
most  impressive  and  effectual  of  any  text  I  ever 
heard.  It  led  me  to  a  decision,  and  the  next 
Sabbath  evening  I  gave  my  heart  to  Christ." 
Thus  the  example  and  prayers  of  Christian 
relatives  and  friends  were  the  means,  with  the 
Holy  Spirit's  power,    of  leading  to   the  Saviour 

19 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

this  timid,  sensitive  boy  who  was  destined  to 
become  a  courageous  soldier  of  the  cross.  None 
of  those  most  instrumental  in  his  salvation  are 
now  living,  but  their  work  has  been  going  on 
through  his  life  all  these  years  and  will  con- 
tinue through  the  hundreds  he  in  turn  has  led 
to  Christ.  Among  those  who  influenced  him 
was  his  school  teacher,  of  whom  he  tells  this 
incident  :  **  When  about  twelve  years  of  age,  I 
was  sitting  in  school  with  a  boy  who  was  very 
restless,  and  the  teacher  picked  up  his  slate 
and  gave  him  a  copy  to  write,  '  Time,  Time, 
how  few  there  be  that  know  thy  worth  !  ' 
That  sentence  brought  to  me  by  accident  ap- 
parently awakened  a  purpose  that  has  not 
changed,  and  had  a  great  influence  on  my  life." 
Another  helpful  friend  was  his  Aunt  Betsy 
Carrol,  at  whose  house  on  *'  King's  Hill  "  many 
prayer  meetings  were  held,  and  who  had 
special  interest  in  Ransom.  She  lived  to  visit 
him  when  a  pastor  in  Boston,  and  to  show  her 
continued  zeal  by  house-to-house  visitation  of 
the  street  in  which  they  lived.  The  gentleman 
whose  earnest  words  at  last  brought  him  to  a 
decision  was  Harry  Montague,    whose  wife  was 

20 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN  EXPERIENCE 

the  self-appointed  nurse  of  his  sickly  childhood, 
and  now  his  spiritual  guide   to   salvation. 

But  his  mind  was  not  yet  at  rest.  He  says : 
"For  three  years  my  profession  of  faith  was 
maintained  by  attending  and  participating  in 
prayer  meetings,  although  I  never  in  any  meet- 
ing exceeded  one  minute  in  speaking  or  prayer. 
I  united  with  no  church.  There  were  two 
pedo-baptist  churches  not  far  from  my  home, 
but  as  I  did  not  believe  that  infant  sprinkling 
was  Christian  baptism,  1  could  not  unite  with 
either  without  approving  of  what  I  did  not 
believe,  or  assuming  it  proper  to  receive  mem- 
bers without  baptism.  I  did  not  like  the  epis- 
copacy which  occasioned  the  dissolution  of  the  so- 
ciety to  which  my  parents  belonged,  neither  could 
1  accept  the  predestination  of  the  other  church, 
which  believed  repentance,  faith,  and  salvation 
possible  only  for  the  elect,  and  that  regenera- 
tion by  the  immutable  purpose  of  God  neces- 
sarily must  precede  repentance  and  faith. 
Unionism  as  advocated  by  the  Union  Herald  of 
New  York,  and  by  John  Truax  and  his  associates 
in  New  England,  weakened  the  feeling  of  obli- 
gation  respecting  church   membership   and   vis- 

21 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ible  ordinances.  But  the  Lord  interposed  and 
led  me  to  feel  intensely  anxious  for  a  deeper 
work  of  grace  in  my  heart.  The  ideas  of  the 
spiritual  God  and  freedom  from  sin  that  led  to 
my  first  prayer,  '  Though  my  sins  are  as 
many  as  the  sands  on  the  sea-shore,  yet,  O 
Lord,  forgive  them  all,'  had  somewhat  lost  their 
force  on  my  soul,  through  these  years  of  weak- 
ness. Now  I  prayed  and  struggled  for  weeks 
for  increase  of  divine  grace.  At  last  I  went 
twenty  miles  to  attend  a  meeting  of  days,  hop- 
ing for  new  light  and  power.  But  more  dis- 
couraged than  ever  I  started  home  at  sunset. 
The  half-developed  moon  and  the  fleecy  clouds 
only  added  gloom  to  the  evening  ride.  I  could 
think  of  no  other  place  to  go  for  help,  and,  in  a 
kind  of  sinking  self-abnegation,  I  said  in  my 
heart  to  God,  'I  can  do  nothing  else.'  Be- 
fore I  was  aware  of  it  the  gloom  was  gone,  the 
stars  broke  through  the  clouds.  God  was  good. 
Upon  reaching  home  it  seemed  more  desirable 
to  retire  to  the  grove  for  prayer  than  to  bed 
for  rest.  The  next  day  seemed  like  a  new  day. 
In  the  next  prayer  meeting  the  atmosphere  was 
different.       Instead    of    a    minute    in    prayer    I 

22 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN   EXPERIENCE 

wanted  an  hour  ;  instead  of  a  single  sentence  of 
testimony  I  could  exhort  earnestly.  The  farm- 
er's kitchen  seemed  as  good  a  place  for  worship 
as  the  most  splendid  church.  That  little  church 
of  ten  members,  mostly  old  people,  among  the 
hills  back  from  the  main  road,  with  no  prospect 
for  a  house  of  worship  or  pastor,  seemed  to  me 
better  than  the  large  church  in  the  village,  be- 
cause their  doctrines  agreed  with  the  New  Tes- 
tament, and  their  praying  was  in  the  Holy 
Ghost.  I  was  baptized  and  united  with  that 
church,  and  the  membership  has  never  been 
regretted." 


The  condition  of  New  England  for  some  years 
after  the  War  of  1812  was  hard.  Great  scarcity 
of  provisions  was  felt.  Ransom  remembered 
hearing  his  mother  tell  that  when  his  father 
was  in  the  army  they  ate  their  last  meal  of  pota- 
toes, and  she  did  not  know  where  the  next 
meal  would  come  from,  when  she  saw  the  father 
coming  up  the  road,  and  things  brightened 
with  his  coming.  There  were  several  cold  and 
unproductive  seasons.  Spotted  fever  swept 
over    New  En.gland.     A  tide  of  emigration  to  the 

23 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

new  West  set  in.  A  general  religious  torpor 
seemed  to  prevail.  The  influence  of  the  wonder- 
ful awakenings  under  Whitefield  fifty  years  pre- 
vious had  somewhat  faded  away.  Dissipation 
and  profanity  were  prevalent.  We  have  seen 
how  this  was  realized  in  Vermont,  and  the  few 
consecrated  Christians  were  praying  for  re- 
awakenings.  One  small  and  young  denomina- 
tion was  standing  for  vital  piety  and  active 
Christian  service  as  opposed  to  the  hireling 
unconsecrated  ministry,  hyper-Calvinism,  and 
other  errors  of  the  larger  churches.  Its  leader 
had  been  Benjamin  Randall,  a  convert  of 
George  Whitefield  and  a  man  of  wonderful 
spiritual  power.  His  associates  and  followers 
were  noted  for  humble  piety  and  self-sacrificing 
labors  ;  and,  conversion  of  souls  being  their  chief 
object,  revivals  followed  their  efforts  everywhere. 
Randall  and  Buzzell  had  started  churches  of 
this  faith  in  Vermont,  Colby  and  others  fol- 
lowed them,  and  the  influence  of  this  devoted 
people   was   being   felt. 

Charles  Bowles,  a  negro  born  in  Boston, 
whose  mother  was  a  daughter  of  a  celebrated 
officer  in  the   American   army,    had    become    a 

24 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN  EXPERIENCE 

Christian  and  united  with  this  people,  called 
the  Freewill  Baptists.  He  was  a  man  of  great 
natural  ability,  and  felt  called  to  the  ministry, 
and  the  results  of  his  first  efforts  in  Vermont 
seemed  to  prove  his  divine  call,  for  one  hundred 
and  fifty  were  converted  and  a  church  of  ninety 
organized.  At  one  time  he  stopped  at  the  home 
of  John  Dunn  at  Bakersfield,  and  as  he  left  he 
placed  his  hand  on  the  head  of  little  Ransom  and 
said,  "  My  boy,  be  ready  for  the  call  of  the 
Lord.  He  may  want  you."  This  little  inci- 
dent made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  young 
boy.  In  1823,  Mr.  Bowles  organized  a  church  at 
Enosburgh,  Vermont,  consisting  of  five  members, 
one  of  whom  was  Perley  Hall,  a  licensed  Methodist 
Episcopal  preacher  who  was  soon  ordained  as 
a  Free  Baptist  minister.  Thus  was  laid  the 
foundation  of  the  Enosburgh  Q.  M.,  with  which 
Ransom  became  connected.  It  was  the  preach- 
ing of  Eider  Bowles  and  Elder  Fay  that  first 
stirred  the  heart  of  the  young  boy.  It  was 
Elder  Perley  Hall  who  baptized  the  young  man 
in    1834. 

"  About  this    time,"   he  tells  us,  *'  I  read  an 
article  in  The  Morning  Star  on 'The  Va-Wey  of  the 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Mississippi,'  giving  a  plain  statement  of  the 
present  and  prospective  population  and  re- 
ligious needs  of  that  vast  field.  Before  closing 
that  reading  in  deep  feeling  and  tears  the  con- 
viction was  upon  me  with  awful  force  that  it 
was  my  duty  to  go  there  and  preach  the  Gos- 
pel." It  would  be  interesting  to  know  what 
hand  penned  the  article  that  turned  the  thoughts 
of  this  young  man  toward  the  opening  fields  of 
the  West.  We  may  not  know  positively,  but 
possibly  it  was  such  ringing  sentences  as  these 
from  the  pen  of  the  scholarly  Arthur  Caverno 
in  the  issue  of  Aug.  20,  1834:  "What  a  vast 
field  is  opened  for  missionary  labor  in  the  West  ! 
Where  shall  they  look  for  help  if  not  to  New- 
England  ?  Every  western  breeze  brings  to  our 
ears  the  plaintive  cry,  *  Come  over  and  help 
us  !  '  Have  we  none  among  Free  Baptists  who 
will  say,  'Here  ami,  send  me '  .-'  The  voice 
that  cries  for  aid  is  mighty  and  irresistible- 
For  who  is  there  that  can  but  reflect  that  the 
salvation  of  a  soul  in  western  wilds  though 
tenanting  a  log  cabin  is  as  much  an  object  of 
concern  to  Jesus  Christ  as  the  most  cultivated 
man  in  a  New   England   city  ?     We    must,  and 

26 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN   EXPERIENCE 

through  Divine  grace  will,  do  something."  This, 
and  other  editorials  from  David  Marks  and 
William  Burr,  together  with  selections  from 
"Peck's  Guide  to  Emigrants"  and  Dr.  Lyman 
Beecher's  book  on  the  West,  gave  the  issues  of 
The  Morning  Star  at  that  time  a  new  outlook. 
This  paper,  started  in  1826  in  Limerick,. 
Maine,  and  moved  to  Dover,  N.  H.,  in  1833, 
was  the  organ  of  the  Freewill  Baptists  ;  and  as 
we  scan  the  pages  of  those  early  numbers  we 
read  in  the  constant  reports  of  revivals  and  the 
earnest  defence  of  Scripture  truth  the  spiritual 
character  of  that  denomination.  It  was  this 
paper  that,  next  to  the  Bible  perhaps,  influenced 
Ransom  Dunn  most  at  this  time.  The  publica- 
tion of  Finney's  lectures  on  revivals  and  other 
articles  of  like  nature  stirred  his  heart,  but  it 
was  this  plea  for  the  great  West  that  rang  in 
his  ears  continually.  It  was  to  those  who  had 
gone  where  churches  were  few,  and  pastors 
and  evangelists  were  needed,  that  he  felt  called 
to  go  and  preach.  He  says,  "This  conviction 
never  left  me,  although  the  reasons  against  it 
seemed  irresistible.  I  knew  my  ability  was  in- 
adequate, the  means  for  an  education  impossible, 

27 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

inflammation  of  my  eyes  unfavorable  for  study, 
and  that  my  parents  with  their  estimate  of 
ministers  would  be  shocked  at  any  such  notion. 
1  had  never  seen  a  Freewill  Baptist  supported 
in  the  ministry,  nor  a  Freewill  Baptist  house 
of  worship,  choir,  or  Sabbath  school.  Nothing 
;  but  the  conviction  of  duty  and  the  promises 
J  of  God  could  furnish  the  least  encouragement. 
A  year  of  conflict  ensued  between  the  convic- 
tion of  duty  and  the  impossibility  of  its  per- 
formance. Having  concluded  to  leave  the  whole 
matter  to  the  Providence  of  God,  I  was  about 
to  open  the  subject  to  my  father  when  he 
was  suddenly  taken  sick  and  died  in  1835. 
But  my  sisters  were  settled  with  their  fami- 
lies, my  oldest  brother  a  Methodist  Episcopal 
preacher,  my  second  brother  in  school  studying  for 
the  Baptist  ministry,  and  the  care  of  the  mother 
and  the  farm  seemed  to  rest  on  me.  Thus 
another  year  was  passed  with  the  continued 
conviction  of  duty  in  regard  to  my  life-work." 
During  part  of  the  time,  according  to  his 
father's  suggestion  he  acted  as  clerk  in  the 
village  store.  But  it  was  evident  to  his  em- 
ployer  as   well  as  to  himself  that   he  was    not 

28 


EARLY  CHRISTIAN   EXPERIENCE 

adapted  to  that  work.  The  Lord  was  opening 
the  way  for  him  to  go  into  the  life-work  He 
had  chosen   for    him. 

At  the  monthly  church  conference  in  August, 
1836,  it  was  voted  unanimously,  without  his 
previous  knowledge  of  such  intention,  that 
"the  church  request  the  Q.  M.  to  give 
Brother  Ransom  Dunn  license  to  preach  the 
Gospel."  Upon  the  first  Saturday  of  Sep- 
tember, 1836,  such  license  was  granted. 
"Thus,"  he  says,  "was  I  thrust  into  the  field, 
and  not  daring  to  resist  any  longer  immediately 
commenced  the  work,  intending  to  concentrate 
all  my  study  and  energies  toward  that  end.  " 
His  first  sermon  had  been  preached  at  his  home 
church  at  their  request,  the  text  being,  "  Now, 
Lord,  what  wait  I  for?  My  hope  is  in  Thee." 
The  council  for  examination  consisted  of  five 
Freewill  Baptists  ministers,  Perley  Hall,  Anson 
Kilburn,  Amos  Davis,  Raymond  Austin,  and 
David  Colby.  The  question  was  asked,  "What  11 
supernatural  evidence  have  you  of  a  call  to  i\ 
preach  ?  "  and  the  answer  was,  "  I  have  a  deep  j  ? 
and  settled  conviction  that  it  is  a  duty,  and  I  1} 
believe  it  is  the  Holy    Spirit   that  produces  this  |f 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

conviction."  And  throughout  his  whole  life  he 
never  swerved  from  this  position.  He  felt  "woe 
is  me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel."  That 
evening  the  moderator  called  upon  him  to  preach, 
and  he  took  the  text,  "  Have  ye  received  the 
Holy  Ghost  since  ye  believed  ?  " 

Under  appointment  as  a  Quarterly  Meeting 
missionary  his  labors  were  mostly  in  Vermont 
that  winter,  with  brief  visits  to  Canada  and 
New  York.  He  was  gaining  in  experience  and 
was  strengthening  the  churches  and  there  were 
already  many  calls  for  his  services.  But  his 
native  State  was  not  destined  to  be  the  field  of 
his  labors.  The  early  conviction  that  it  was 
his  duty  to  go  West  returned  with  added  power, 
and  after  a  struggle  in  the  snowy  woods  of 
Canada  one  night,  he  settled  forever  the  ques- 
I  tion  of  his  position  and  place  as  he  said,  "  Any- 
I  where.  Lord  !  "  and  turned  his  face  toward  the 
I  great  West  away  from  home  and  friends. 
**  Everything  was  surrendered  and  God's  will 
and'  truth  were  satisfactory,  regardless  of  popu- 
larity, policy,  or  apparent  consequences."  This 
was  his  consecration  at  eighteen  years  of  age, 
and  this  devotion  to  God's  will  and  service  be- 
came his  attitude  through  life. 

30 


Ill 

EVANGELISTIC    WORK  IN  OHIO 

To  travel  from  Vermont  to  Ohio  in  1837 
seemed  more  of  an  undertaking  tiian'to  go  to 
Europe  to-day.  In  1824,  Joab  and  John  B.  Dunn, 
the  half-brothers  of  Ransom,  went  to  New  York 
City  to  work,  and  the  receiving  of  their  letters, 
telling  of  their  long  trip  and  the  great  city, 
was  an  important  event  in  the  home ;  and  their 
death,  soon  after  their  return,  a  shock  to  the 
community,  and  a  great  blow  to  the  father. 
Hiram  and  Lewis,  older  brothers  of  Ransom, 
had  been  to  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  in 
1831,  and  their  accounts  of  the  events  of  their 
first  long  journey  were  read  with  great  interest. 
As  they  were  driving  cattle  through,  they  were 
eleven  days  on  the  road,  and,  passing  through 
Rutland,  Manchester,  and  other  towns,  saw  many 
unfamiliar  sights.  The  most  wonderful  thing  they 
saw  was  a  pipe  organ;  another  beautiful  sight  was  a 

31 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

peacock,  which  they  called  ''a  turkey  with  a  col- 
ored tail  three  feet  long."  Rye  bread  instead  of  In- 
dian vvas  the  staple  diet,  and  a  queer  pie  "  made  of 
a  stalk  like  dock  weed"  (rhubarb)  was  a  new 
luxury.  The  fashionable  ladies  with  **panta- 
lets  "  were  described  to  the  sisters.  Working 
for  twelve  dollars  a  month,  and  sometimes  four 
dollars  a  week,  they  made  enough  during  the 
summer  to  return  with  store  clothes  on  and 
money  in  their  pockets,  to  be  the  envy  of  the 
other  boys  in  the  neighborhood  who  had  not 
traveled. 

But  this  proposed  journey  of  the  younger 
brother  Ransom  was  a  different  matter.  It  was 
neither  for  business  nor  pleasure,  and  it  was  so 
far  they  could  hardly  expect  to  see  him  again. 
The  mother  parted  from  him  with  tears,  giving 
him  as  she  thought  her  last  good-bye.  He  set- 
I  tied  his  father's  estate,  and  took  his  part,  thirteen 
(  dollars,  to  prepare  for  his  trip.  He  had  ex- 
pected to  go  with  Jairus  Davis,  who  had  been 
to  Ohio  the  previous  year,  but  Mr.  Davis  was 
at  that  time  successfully  conducting  revivals  in 
Vermont  and  thought  best  not  to  leave.  His 
brother    Kinsman    decided    to    go,    but    he    was 

32 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

young  and  inexperienced  in  travel.  Two  wom- 
en going  to  western  New  York  were  placed 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  Dunn.  The  party  went 
by  stage-coach  to  Saratoga,  where  they  had  their 
first  ride  on  a  railroad,  a  line  of  twenty  miles 
having  just  been  built.  The  cars  were  like  stage- 
coaches, the  road  was  a  single  track  with  flat  rail, 
and  the  train  went  ten  miles  an  hour.  The  con- 
ductor stood  on  the  side  of  the  car  to  take  fares 
and  to  watch  for  the  coming  of  the  other  train.  At 
the  Pan-American  Exposition  this  year  a  similar 
train  is  to  be  seen  in  the  railway  transportation 
exhibit,  the  "  De  Witt  Clinton,"  whose  little 
engine  presents  a  striking  contrast  to  the  im- 
mense locomotive  of  modern  construction  by  its 
side.  At  Schenectady  they  reached  the  Erie 
Canal,  which  was  to  take  them  to  the  Great 
Lakes. 

They  stopped  at  Rochester  and  heard  Elder 
David  Marks  preach,  and  Mr.  Dunn  received  his 
cordial  God-speed  to  his  new  field  of  labor.  The 
wife  of  David  Marks,  now  Mrs.  Hills,  recalls  the 
early  acquaintance  and  lifelong  friendship  of  David 
Marks  and  Ransom  Dunn,  and  says,  "They  were 
congenial  spirits,  alike  in  their  consecration  to  the 

33 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

work  of  their  chosen  denomination  ;  they  were 
alike  in  their  almost  incessant  labors,  in  their  zeal 
and  earnestness  in  preaching  and  their  consuming 
passion  for  the  salvation  of  souls."  After  Mr. 
Mark's  death  in  1845,  Mr.  Dunn  wrote  to  his  wife, 
''  I  mourn  as  I  never  before  mourned  for  any  min- 
ister. I  read  his  '  Narrative '  with  deep  interest 
soon  after  my  conversion  and  it  produced  an  anx- 
ious desire  for  more  holiness  of  heart  and  higher 
attainments  in  the  Christian  life.  After  my  call 
to  the  ministry,  I  read  it  again  and  the  effect  was 
deepened.  Much  of  my  usefulness — if  there  are 
any  useful  spots  in  my  life — can  be  attributed  to 
that  peculiar  sympathy  for  sinners  and  anxiety 
for  their  salvation  which  was  wrought  in  my 
heart  by  reading  his  '  Narrative '  more  than  any 
other  book  except  the  Bible. ' '  After  their  Sunday 
at  Rochester  with  Elder  Marks,  our  travelers  went 
on  to  Buffalo,  where  they  took  a  steamer  for  Con- 
neaut.  The  whole  trip  took  nine  days  and  cost 
eight  dollars,  which  Mr.  Dunn  was  obliged  to 
borrow  of  a  friend. 

Leaving  the  steamer  at  Conneaut,  he  took 
his  little  trunk  on  his  back,  climbed  over  the  logs 
zX  the  landing,  and  made  his  way  to  the  home  of 

34 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

Silas  Davis,  an  older  brother  of  Jairus  and  Kins-  ^ 
man.  He  felt  the  reception  a  little  cool.  The 
country  was  new,  several  young  preachers  had 
visited  that  section, —  some  of  them  not  well 
qualified  to  be  of  service  to  the  cause, — and  the 
good  brethren  looked  a  little  askance  at  this  boy 
preacher  from  the  Green  Mountains.  He  was 
too  modest  to  tell  of  his  own  work,  so  he  went 
into  the  corn  field  to  work  for  his  board  for  a  few 
days,  determined  to  wait  till  the  approaching 
session  of  the  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  Yearly 
Meeting  and  prove  his  call.  The  meeting  came. 
The  stranger  attended,  sat  on  the  back  seat, 
and  when  opportunity  was  offered  arose  and 
spoke.  The  ministers  and  congregation  felt  the 
thrill  of  suppressed  power  in  the  speech  of  this 
frail  looking  young  man,  and  all  eyes  were  turned 
upon  him  as  he  quietly  took  his  seat  and  bowed 
his  head  in  prayer.  The  moderator  of  the  meet- 
ing was  Rev.  Josiah  Fowler,  father  of  Spencer 
J.  Fowler,  afterward  professor  in  Hillsdale  Col- 
lege. At  the  close  of  the  prayer  service.  Elder 
Fowler  and  Elder  Wire  came  to  him  and  said, 
"You  are  to  preach  the  sermon."  "Oh,  I 
can't,"  he  said,  "and  yet  that's  what  I  came 

35 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

for."  A  few  moments  of  prayer  and  thought  in 
the  open  air,  and  he  went  to  the  platform  and 
spoke  with  powerful  effect  from  the  text  \  "  Cast 
me  not  away  from  Thy  presence,  and  take  not  thy 
holy  spirit  from  me.  Then  will  I  teach  trans- 
gressors thy  way,  and  sinners  shall  be  converted 
unto  thee."  Prophetic  words  !  At  the  close  of 
the  service,  a  fine  looking  elderly  lady  came  up 
to  him  and  said,  "I  heard  a  voice  say,  'Behold 
thy  son!'  Come  to  my  home."  She  was  a 
widow,  Mrs.  Hause,  a  good  Christian  lady  who 
lived  in  a  comfortable  house  which  for  a  time 
became  his  home. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Davis  had  written  from  northern 
Ohio  the  previous  year  :  "  Religion  is  in  a  low 
state.  We  want  men  who  have  been  called  of 
God,  willing  to  face  cold  storms,  travel  muddy 
roads,  lodge  in  log  houses, — men  who  have  the 
grace  of  God,  and  whose  faces  are  set  as  a  flint 
toward  Zion.  I  believe  God  is  calling  some  to 
come  to  Ohio."  Could  he  have  better  described 
the  one  God  was  calling  —  Ransom  Dunn?  And 
now  he  was  here,  and  the  work  was  ready  for 
him.  Elder  Wire  made  an  appointment  for  him  at 
Lenox,  and  other  places  asked  for  his  services.    At 

36 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

these  first  meetings  small  collections  were  taken, 
amounting  to  about  nine  dollars,  so  he  could  pay 
the  debt  for  his  trip  from  New  England  to  Ohio. 
He  tells  us  that  *'at  the  next  session   of   the 
Ashtabula  Q.  M.,  held  at  Mecca  in  Trumbull  Co., 
August,  1837,  a  request  for  my  ordination,  voted 
and  presented  without  my  knowledge,  from  the 
Lenox  church,  was  considered.     And  as  the  coun- 
cil and  conference  unanimously  approved,  and  as  i 
I  had  settled  it  as  a  rule   of   life   never  to  seek.' 
responsibility  of  place  or  office,  nor  to  refuse  to 
attempt  what  Providence  and  the  church  might' 
demand,   the    decision  of    the   Conference   was 
executed."     He   was   appointed    to  preach    the 
sermon  after  the  council,  which  he  did,  speaking 
on  Ezekiel's  vision  of  the  dry  bones.     His  jour- 
nal shows  that  that  night   was  a  sleepless  one. 
He   wept  and  prayed  as    he   thought  of  the  re- 
sponsibility laid  upon  his   life  ''being    set  apart 
at   his   early  age    for  the  work  of  the  ministry 
and    the     administration     of    the    ordinances." 
Sunday   morning,    August    20th,    the    day    ap- 
pointed    for     the    ordination,    the    journal  tells 
us,  **was  a  beautiful  morning,  and  as  I  walked  out 
and  beheld  the  beauties  of  nature  and  considered 

37 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

my  past  life  and  future  prospects,  very  solemn 
feelings  passed  through  my  mind.  I  felt  a  con- 
viction that  it  would  be  my  duty  to  address  the 
people  that  morning — though  why  I  should  with 
other  older  ministers  present  1  did  not  know — and 
after  praying  earnestly  that  the  Lord  would  help 
me  in  a  remarkable  manner  if  called  upon,  I 
started  for  the  block  meeting-house  and  met  the 
moderator,  who  said,  'You  are  to  preach  first  this 
morning,'  and  if  ever  the  Lord  helped  me  he  did 
then."  No  house  could  hold  the  great  audience 
that  gathered  from  the  surrounding  country,  and  a 
hastily  constructed  platform  in  an  open  space 
made  the  pulpit  from  which  the  young  candidate 
with  earnest  face  pleaded  with  souls  as  he  spoke 
from  the  text,  "The  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say, 
Come."  Sinners  were  awakened  to  conviction 
and  backsliders  were  turned  to  duty.  Among 
these  was  the  brother-in-law  of  Silas  Davis,  A. 
K.  Moulton,  who  became  a  brilliant  preacher, 
forceful  writer,  and  energetic  worker  in  the  de- 
nomination, and  his  son  the  president  of  Kio 
Grande  College. 

But  the  hour  arrived  which  he  called  "the  most 
momentous   of   my  life,   and  the   trials  and  re- 

38 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

sponsibilities  of  a  Christian  minister  came  before 
m\'  mind,  and  I  could  only  cry  in  the  humility 
of  my  soul,  'My  Lord  and  my  God.'  "  The  or- 
dination sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Samuel 
Wire,  the  text  being  2  Cor.  3  :  6.  Prayer  was 
offered  by  Rev.  Dan  H.  Miller,  the  charge  was 
given  by  Rev.  Josiah  Fowler  ;  and  the  young 
preacher  went  from  the  green  of  Mecca  to  his 
next  appointment  and  to  others,  as  Providence 
opened  the  way  —  an  ordained  minister,  but  the 
same  humble,  devoted  evangelist,  using  every 
opportunity  to  present  the  gospel  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

A  few  quotations  from    his  journal  will  show 
the  character  of  his  life  and  work.     "Thursday^  * 
This  morning  I  chanced  to  fall  in  company  with,  i 
a  young  man  walking  from  New  Lyme  to  Cole-  1 
brook.     After  conversing   with   him  for  a  time, 
I  urged  upon  him  the   claims  of  God,   and   the 
necessity  for  giving  himself  at  once  to  him,  and 
invited  him  to  turn  aside  with  me  into  the  grove^  j 
where  I  prayed  for   him.     He   then   prayed   for 
himself  for  the  first  time,    and  promised  to  li\'e 
a  Christian  life."     "Friday.     Spent  most  of  the 
day   studying   and    writing.     Attended  a  prayer 
39 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

meeting  in  the  evening."  ''Sunday.  Attended 
a  meeting  at  a  large  schoolhouse.  More  than 
half  the  congregation  could  not  get  into  the 
house."  A  frequent  entry  is,  ''Spent  the  fore- 
noon in  meditation  and  prayer,"  and  almost 
every  day  that  has  not  meetings  records  "visited 
several  families,"  with  interesting  incidents  of 
personal  conversation  and  prayer,  and  results 
following  in  reclaiming  backsliders  or  leading  to 
decision  for  Christ  some  unconverted  one.  Not- 
withstanding the  incessant  labors  in  public  work, 
he  found  time  for  much  study,  and  was  system- 
atic in  keeping  memoranda  of  texts  used  ;  of 
travel,  with  the  kind  mention  of  homes  where 
he  was  entertained ;  of  donations  received  in 
money  and  articles. 

Usually  he  walked  to  and  from  his  preaching 
places.  It  is  related  that,  on  one  occasion,  night 
overtook  him  in  the  woods  and  he  lost  his  way. 
It  was  winter  and  the  snow  was  drifting.  He 
did  not  dare  to  sit  still,  he  dared  not  go  on  into 
the  depths  of  the  forest,  so  he  found  a  large  tree 
and  continued  walking  around  it  all  night.  But 
it  was  one  of  the  most  peaceful  nights  of  his 
life,  he  said  afterward,  for  he  felt  the  presence 

40 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

of  God  himself  with  him.  After  a  time  he  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  a  horse  and  saved  much  time 
and  strength  for  his  work.  At  one  time  he  had 
an  appointment  at  Trumbull,  and  had  to  ride 
fifteen  miles  in  the  midst  of  a  pouring  rain.  It 
was  in  the  autumn,  and  the  falling  leaves  had 
obliterated  the  winding  path,  and  fog  and  mist 
grew  so  dense  that  he  could  not  see.  His  voice 
could  not  be  heard  by  distant  settlers,  and  this 
section  was  known  to  be  infested  with  wolves. 
The  prospect  was  dreary,  for  night  was  coming 
on.  He  concluded  to  let  the  horse  find  his  own 
way  out,  but  found  the  horse  sinking  in  mud, 
and  even  though  he  used  his  hand  and  whip  to 
defend  himself  the  branches  of  trees  often  struck 
his  face.  So  he  dismounted,  felt  for  a  large 
tree,  and  taking  his  saddle  for  a  seat  placed 
himself  as  comfortably  as  possible  for  the  night. 
"In  this  gloomy  situation,"  he  says,  '*I  found 
the  promise,  *Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,'  ver- 
ified in  a  remarkable  manner.  Occasionally  the 
rustling  of  the  leaves  reminded  me  that  the  wild 
beasts  were  not  far  off,  and  branches  of  trees 
fell  very  near  me,  but  the  tree  under  which  I 
sat  was  not    broken  by  wind    or  lightning.      In 

41 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  morning,  by  winding  my  way  around  the 
logs,  I  was  directed  by  a  l<ind  Providence  to- 
wards inhabitants,  and  by  ten  o'clock  was  seated 
by  a  good  fire  and  given  refreshment."  Again 
in  the  winter  he  had  a  narrow  escape  from  death. 
"It  was  a  cold  and  blustering  day,  but  I  had 
an  appointment  at  Charlestown.  1  had  ridden 
about  a  mile,  when  we  met  a  man  with  a  wheel- 
barrow, which  terrified  my  horse  and  caused  him 
to  turn  so  quickly  as  to  roll  the  saddle  upon  his 
side,  and  while  trying  to  save  myself  from  fall- 
ing the  girth  unbuckled  and  I  was  thrown  upon 
the  ground,  which  was  frozen.  My  horse's  feet 
came  directly  over  me,  but  1  was  mercifully 
spared,  and  went  on  my  way.  When  I  arrived 
at  my  destination  my  clothes  were  covered  with 
ice,  and  I  was  chilled  through.  This  is  a  speci- 
men of  the  ease  of  a  traveling  minister."  It 
was  a  life  of  faith  and  dependence  on  God. 
One  day  as  he  was  riding  along,  he  noticed  that 
his  trousers  were  well  worn  and  knew  that  he  had 
no  others  and  no  money  to  buy  any,  and  he  told 
the  Lord  about  it.  As  he  came  to  a  field  a  man 
recognized  him  and  said  :  "  How  are  you  getting 
along?    Isn't  there  something  I  can  do  for  you? 

42 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

Don't  you  want  some  new  clothes?  You  know  I'm 
a  sort  of  tailor."  He  got  off  from  his  horse 
and   had   his  measures  taken   for  a  new  suit. 

But  the  greatest  compensations  were  in  the 
spiritual  results.  His  first  baptism  was  at  Wayne 
and  he  thus  reported  it.  ''I  had  the  privilege  of 
leading  five  happy  converts  into  the  river.  This 
being  the  first  time  I  had  administered  the  or- 
dinance, I  felt  something  of  a  trembling,  but  re- 
alizing where  my  trust  was,  I  ventured  forth, 
and  the  Lord  helped  me  and  caused  me  to  rejoice 
with  joy  unspeakable,  as  also  all  the  candidates. 
This  I  rank  with  the  happiest  days  of  my  life." 
Many  of  the  meetings  were  held  in  schoolhouses, 
but  some  in  the  homes  of  the  people.  The 
wife  of  Rev.  Samuel  Clawson,  now  living  in  Iowa, 
remembers  a  meeting  in  her  house  when  it  was 
so  crowded  that  they  knelt  on  her  kitchen  table 
to  pray.  Rev.  N.  W.  Bixby,  who  tells  this 
story,  says,  "The  dear  old  lady  delights  to  tell 
of  the  great  reformation  in  that  town  at  that 
time." 

The  places  visited  the  first  season  were  Lenox, 
New  Lyme,  Trumbull,  Green,  Williamsfield,  and 
other   communities    in   Ashtabula   and    Trumbull 

43 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

counties.  In  the  winter  he  was  called  to 
Medina  county,  and  the  first  of  a  series  of 
glorious  revivals  took  place  at  LaFayette. 
Among  the  converts  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field, 
the  father  and  mother  of  Mrs.  A.  F.  Johnston, 
the  lady  principal  of  Oberlin  College.  A  church 
of  forty  members  was  organized  in  this  place, 
the  first  church  organized  by  Ransom  Dunn,  and 
the  first  church  planted  in  that  town.  Exten- 
sive reformations  also  occurred  at  Westfield, 
New  York,  and  Seville.  One  of  his  helpers  in 
Medina  county  was  S.  B.  Dyer,  son  of  Rev. 
S.  B.  Dyer,  of  New  Hampshire.  His  daughter 
remembers  the  services  in  the  log  schoolhouse 
at  LaFayette,  when  the  men  stood,  and  the 
children  sat  in  the  little  chairs  which  had  been 
brought  for  them  in  the  wagons,  the  women 
occupying  the  school  benches  and  other  seats 
provided  for  the  occasion.  Others  who  lived 
too  far  to  attend,  or  were  too  small  to  go,  eagerly 
J  anticipated  the  occasional  visit  of  the  preacher, 
when  his  conversation  at  the  table,  his  leading 
of  family  prayer,  were  remembered  and  discussed 
for  a  long  time  after.  One  lady  has  the  thirty- 
seventh    Psalm    marked    in    her    Bible    *'  Elder 

44 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK   IN  OHIO 

Dunn's  Psalm  "  because,  she  says,  from  child- 
hood it  has  been  her  remembrance  of  him  and 
its  lesson  of  trust  so  like  him  always. 

In  1838  Trumbull,  Williamsfield,  and  Wayne 
were  the  scenes  of  great  revivals.  At  these  pro- 
tracted meetings,  as  they  were  called,  he  often 
preached  three  times  a  day.  During  this  year  he 
had  three  hundred  and  sixty-five  meetings  and 
traveled  over  three  thousand  miles.  At  Wayne 
there  were  one  hundred  conversions,  fifty  com- 
ing forward  for  prayer  after  a  single  sermon.  It 
is  related  that  some  of  the  converts  in  these  meet- 
ings gave  their  jewelry  to  the  preacher  to  use  for 
the  cause  of  Christ.  He  sold  it  as  requested, 
and  gave  the  money  to  the  missionary  field. 

In  January,  1839,  a  Christian  man  in  the  town 
of  Cherry  Valley  offered  to  heat  and  furnish  with 
seats  the  upper  story  of  a  large  wood  house,  if 
Elder  Dunn  would  come  for  a  two  days'  meeting. 
He  came,  and  found  every  available  space  filled  in 
this  hall.  Four  hundred  people  were  waiting  the 
message  of  God  from  this  Spirit-filled  preacher. 
For  eight  days  this  was  the  very  gate  of  heaven 
to  these  anxious  souls.  As  a  result  of  this  Pente- 
cost over  one  hundred  were  baptized  and  gathered 

45 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

into  a  church.  Among  them  were  several  who 
became  ministers,  S.  F.  Smith,  E.  D.  Lewis,  the 
Woodworth  brothers,  and  others.  Rev.  E.  H.  Hig- 
bee  says  of  this  revival  at  Cherry  Valley  :  "  I  have 
never  been  in  any  meeting  before  or  since  of  such 
depth  and  power,  nor  of  so  wide  extent,  for  it 
extended  over  ten  townships.  They  came  for 
miles  in  all  directions  to  hear  the  Word  of  God, 
and  out  of  that  revival  sprang  a  score  of  minis- 
ters directly  and  indirectly."  Rev.  Jairus  E. 
Davis  had  returned  to  Ohio  and  held  some  meet- 
ings with  Mr.  Dunn.  At  Berg  Hill  nearly  fifty 
were  baptized  and  formed  into  a  church.  '*  At 
Richmond,"  Mr.  Dunn  says,  ''there  was  not  a 
praying  man  three  months  before  in  the  whole 
district.  Fifty,  and  many  of  them  heads  of  fami- 
lies, were  led  to  Christ." 

Dr.  G.  H.  Ball,  president  of  Keuka  College, 
gives  an  account  of  some  of  the  meetings  where 
he  first  heard  him  preach.  "  One  was  in  Green, 
Trumbull  county,  in  which  Rev.  D.  L.  Rice  and 
many  others  were  converted.  Though  I  heard 
him  only  twice,  his  rapidity  of  thought,  forceful 
utterance,  and  magnetic  power  impressed  me 
deeply.     He  was  only  a  year  older  than  I,   but 

46 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

appeared  more  mature,  and  was  judged  by  people 
generally  to  be  at  least  twenty-five  instead  of 
twenty  years  of  age.  He  had  then  been  preach- 
ing fully  two  years.  His  language  was  elegant 
and  strong,  his  sentences  well  formed,  statements 
lucid,  illustrations  vivid,  and  manner  animated 
and  graceful.  The  young  men  who  listened  to 
criticise  pronounced  him  a  natural  born  orator, 
with  the  hot  blood  of  Scotch,  Irish,  and  Yankee 
in  his  veins.  The  following  year  I  was  teaching 
in  Mercer  county.  The  school  was  large,  with 
the  majority  of  the  scholars  sixteen  to  twenty 
years  of  age.  After  a  while  it  was  announced  that 
Elder  Dunn  was  coming,  and  I  at  once  told  my 
pupils  that  a  sweeping  revival  was  imminent,  for  i 
'that  Dunn  is  a  concrete  tornado.'  The  effect  ^ 
of  his  presence  and  sermons  was  all  my  prophecy 
suggested.  Scores  were  converted  in  a  week. 
Among  the  converts  were  J.  S.  Manning,  the 
apostle  to  the  freedmen,  and  myself.  For  several 
years  after  this  I  seldom  saw  or  heard  him,  as  I 
was  at  school,  but  his  reputation  filled  the  air  on 
the  Western  Reserve.  Among  all  denominations, 
he  was  sought  on  every  hand  for  revival  meet- 
ings." 

47 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

There  were  many  exhibitions  of  deep  feeling 
during  these  meetings,  but  that  it  was  real  con- 
viction of  sin  and  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
was  evident  from  the  changed  lives  and  from  the 
permanent  results.  Some  of  the  Free  Baptist 
churches  then  formed  exist  to-day.  Other  con- 
verts went  into  other  denominations,  and  many 
churches  in  that  section  owe  their  foundation  to 
the  consecrated  labors  of  this  pioneer  evangelist. 
And  the  young  men  who,  through  his  influence, 
were  not  only  led  to  Christ  but  into  the  Gospel 
ministry,  went  into  other  States  and  built  up 
churches.  A  lady  who  taught  in  some  of  these 
places  years  afterward,  said,  '*  It  was  my  privi- 
lege to  meet  many  who  took  their  first  steps 
heavenward  through  your  influence,  and  to  see 
the  lasting  good  on  these  communities  of  your 
meetings  and  conversations."  Mrs.  Temperance 
Hyde  of  New  Lyme,  who  knew  him  intimately, 
wrote  to  him  in  late  life:  ''When  you  came  to 
Ohio  you  were  called  '  the  boy  preacher,'  but 
you  were  not  a  babe  in  Christ,  for  you  were 
strong  in  the  Lord,  and  God's  blessing  followed 
you  wherever  you  went.     You  sowed  your  seed 

48 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK   IN  OHIO 


"  The  Boy  Preacher."     1838. 

in  the  early  dew,  harvested  your  grain  while  the 
sun  was  up,  and  now  as  the  shadows  are  falling 
you  are  taking  in  your  sheaves." 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  he  not  only  started 
these  converts  in  the  Christian  life,  but  continued 
his  assistance  and  kept  their  friendship,  as  we 
shall  see  as  we  meet  them  in  Michigan,  Wiscon- 
sin, Illinois,  New  York,  and  elsewhere,  and  his 
letters  show  that  so  long  as  they  lived  they  were 

49 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

his  loyal  friends.  The  wife  of  D.  L.  Rice  relates 
that  after  his  ordination  by  Elder  Dunn,  as  his 
old  friends  loved  to  call  him,  Mr.  Rice  was  ap- 
pointed to  preach  his  first  sermon  at  Lenox,  and 
Elder  Dunn  went  with  him  to  encourage  him. 
I  He  told  him  he  would  be  glad  to  let  him  stand  on 
'him  if  it  would  do  him  any  good.  His  converts 
were  noted  for  their  earnest  labor,  and  were  well 
grounded  in  the  faith. 

It  was  astonishing  how  soon  the  unknown  boy 
from  the  Vermont  hills  had  become  the  acknowl- 
edged leader  in  the  religious  life  of  that  country 
and  known  throughout  the  denomination.  His 
name  was  now  mentioned  first  in  all  accounts  of 
quarterly  and  yearly  meetings,  and  his  few  and 
brief  letters  given  prominent  place  in  the  Star 
columns.  It  will  be  interesting  to  quote  from 
some  of  these  letters  in  regard  to  the  work  as  he 
saw  it  at  the  time.  He  writes  to  Mr.  Burr  from 
LaFayette,  May,  1838:  "Perhaps  it  would  not 
be  entirely  uninteresting  to  some  of  the  readers 
of  your  periodical,  and  particularly  those  with 
whom  I  have  had  acquaintance  in  the  eastern 
country,  to  hear  something  from  the  youth  in 
whose   welfare  they   seemed  to   manifest  some 

50 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

degree  of  interest.  Last  June,  after  passing 
through  a  trying  scene  in  parting  with  a  large 
circle  of  relatives,  I  bade  adieu  to  the  hills  and 
vales  of  Vermont.  Although  but  a  youth,  in  my 
nineteenth  year,  1  felt  to  trust  in  that  God  that 
directed  and  sustained  David.  By  his  direction 
1  found  my  way  to  the  Ashtabula  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, where  1  spent  the  season  ;  and  then,  after 
spending,  a  few  weeks  in  Portage  and  Geauga 
counties,  1  went  to  Huron  county,  where  1  tarried 
four  weeks,  mostly  in  Hartland,  where  the  Lord 
saw  fit  to  revive  his  work.  Then  1  came  to  this 
place  and  was  joined  by  Elder  J.  E.  Davis.  A 
number  have  been  baptized  and  a  church  organ- 
ized. In  accordance  with  a  request  from  West- 
field,  we  held  a  meeting  in  that  place,  which  lasted 
seventeen  days.  Scores  were  seen  flocking  to 
the  altar  for  prayer,  whose  heartfelt  sighs  bespoke 
the  anguish  of  their  hearts.  But  soon  the  song 
of  the  happy  convert  was  heard  which  gladdens 
the  hearts  of  saints  on  earth,  and  causes  angels 
in  heaven  to  rejoice.  It  is  estimated  that  one  hun- 
dred in  these  two  places,  who  ajfew  weeks  ago  were 
on  the  broad  road  to  destruction,  are  now  on  their 
way  to   heaven.     Thus   a   work    is   commenced 

51 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

which  it  is  hoped  will  spread  over  this  whole  sec- 
tion, for  a  vast  field  lies  before  us,  in  which  field 
may  God  grant  that  I  may  humbly,  devotedly, 
and  laboriously  spend  my  days."  A  glimpse  of 
the  reverse  side  of  the  picture  is' given  in  a  letter 
from  Rev.  J.  E.  Davis,  in  which  he  says:  "  We 
hear  the  Macedonian  cry  from  adjoining  towns, 
but  we  are  much  worn  out  and  our  health  is  rather 
poor.  But  we  propose  to  die  in  the  vineyard  of 
the  Lord."  And  Mr.  Dunn's  journal  tells  how 
he  was  so  exhausted  with  meetings  and  lack  of 
rest  that  he  slept  while  he  rode  on  horseback 
from  one  place  to  the  next  appointment,  and 
gratefully  acknowledged  the  kindness  of  friends 
who  sheltered,  in  the  windy,  snowy  day  and  cold 
night,  the  fatigued  and  homesick  wanderer. 

Rev.  M.  R.  Kenney,  who  was  converted  under 
the  preaching  of  Rev.  Ransom  Dunn,  in  one  of 
these  schoolhouse  meetings,  near  Ashtabula,  in 
1842,  when  asked  the  reason  for  the  remarkable 
power  of  this  preacher  replied  :  *'  The  great  rea- 
son for  his  success  was  his  earnest,  eloquent  en- 
forcement of  God's  claims,  which  struck  convic- 
tion to  the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  The  extent  of 
his  influence  can  never  be  measured,  but  it  can 

52 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK  IN  OHIO 

never  die."  Something  of  the  methods  used,  in 
addition  to  this  searching  presentation  of  God's 
truth,  can  be  inferred  from  this  quotation  from 
one  of  his  letters,  speaking  of  his  meeting  at 
Cherry  Valley:  "After  one  sermon  to  converts 
seventy-five  or  eighty  arose  in  quick  succession 
and  spoke  of  peace  in  believing,  which  they  had 
found  during  this  series  of  meetings."  On  an- 
other occasion  he  spoke  of  "the  simplicity  of 
measures  employed.  All  who  were  willing  to 
converse  freely  upon  the  subject  of  religion  were 
asked  to  occupy  seats  in  front,  and  thus  most 
were  personally  conversed  with."  Of  the  real 
preparation  that  brought  the  result,  only  God  can 
fully  know.  It  was  the  incessant  study  of  the 
Bible  on  horseback,  in  the  grove,  in  his  room. 
it  was  the  days  of  fasting  and  prayer,  the  strug- 
gles alone  with  God  in  the  woods,  when  like 
Jacob  he  cried,  "I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except 
thou  bless  me,"  and  like  him  he  had  "power 
with  God  and  with  men,  and  prevailed." 

One  who  heard  him  in  these  days  says  :  "His 
preaching  was  like  the  tender  beseeching  of  our 
dear  Lord.  He  had  no  *  holy  tone '  like  the 
Baptists  of  those  times,  but  more  than  filled  its 

53 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

place  by  pathos  and  forceful  argument.  His 
preaching  was  a  contrast  to  the  cold,  dogmatic, 
literary  style  of  the  Congregationalists  we  had 
heard,  and  the  generalissimo  style  of  the  Metho- 
dists. It  was  not  denunciatory,  but  tender  and 
sympathetic  and  Christly,  and  yet  it  was  power- 
ful. It  was  like  the  charge  at  Balaklava — few  could 
withstand  its  force."  Dr.  Ball  gives  the  secret 
of  it  in  these  words  :  *'  His  supreme  desire  was 
to  win  souls  to  Christ.  His  enthusiasm  in  this 
line  of  work  was  all  masterful.  To  win  souls 
was  the  purpose  of  his  everyday  life.  He  thought 
about  it,  prayed  over  it,  planned  for  it.  He  stud- 
ied his  Bible  and  constructed  his  sermons  with 
this  sole  result  in  view.  His  whole  being  was  on 
fire  to  accomplish  this  one  end ;  consequently  his 
sermons  and  appeals  were  all  but  irresistible.  Yet 
he  was  always  fond  of  metaphysical  discussion  and 
subtle  argument,  and  delighted  in  sharp  distinc- 
tions and  clear  definitions,  and  excelled  in  strong 
statements,  and  by  forceful  diction  and  sweep  of 
emotion  he  carried  his  hearers  as  by  storm.  They 
could  scarcely  resist  his  appeals  or  question  the 
conclusiveness  of  his  rapid  logic." 


IV 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO— GEAUGA  SEMINARY— EASTERN 
PASTORATES. 

When  the  lad  left  the  old  home,  it  was  with 
the  promise  that  if  alive  he  would  come  back  to 
his  mother  in  three  years.  His  letters  show  that 
he  never  forgot  her  nor  the  old  home.  He  wrote 
to  her  in  September,  1838,  as  follows:  "  Having 
learned  that  I  have  an  opportunity  of  sending 
free — the  first  since  I  left  home — I  thought  it  must 
be  improved.  Notwithstanding  1  have  ridden  six 
miles  since  dark,  and  feel  more  like  sleeping  than 
writing,  yet  an  opportunity  of  conversing  with 
mother,  even  after  ten  o'clock  at  night,  would  be 
one  of  the  greatest  privileges.  In  August  I  went 
to  Marion  county,  and  rode  through  a  beautiful 
country.  It  is  truly  a  pleasant  sight  to  stand  and 
gaze  over  a  prairie  comprising  thousands  of  acres, 
covered  with  crops  such  as  are  not  found  in  Ver- 
mont,  with  the  occasional  woodlands.     I  passed 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

by  one  farm  on  which  I  counted  eighty  stacks  of 
hay.  While  in  Huron  county  I  went  through  a 
cornfield  where  some  of  the  ears  were  higher 
than  my  head.  But  after  all,  Vermont  is  still 
home  to  me.  I  wish  brother  Lewis  would  come 
out  and  see  the  Western  country  and  me."  In 
the  summer  of  1839  he  wrote  her  :  ''  Since  I  last 
sent  a  letter  to  you  I  have  met  with  hundreds  of 
individuals  and  passed  through  a  variety  of  scenes, 
but  all  these  various  incidents  have  not  in  the 
least  erased  from  the  page  of  memory  your  coun- 
tenance nor  kindness.  .  .  .  My  health  has  not 
been  quite  as  good  as  usual  lately,  and  I  have 
been  afflicted  with  hoarseness,  but  not  sufficient 
to  prevent  me  from  holding  meetings.  I  find 
many  warm-hearted  friends.  1  am  now  at  Cherry 
Valley,  where  I  organized  a  church  in  April,  which 
now  numbers  seventy-five.  They  have  purchased 
a  site  and  propose  to  build  a  meeting-house  of 
their  own.  The  one  they  now  use  holds  nearly  five 
hundred  people,  and  has  been  crowded  every  Sab- 
bath that  I  have  been  in  town,  and  some  have  been 
baptized  every  Sabbath  I  have  had  a  meeting 
here.  They  wish  me  to  preach  for  them  regularly 
for  a  year,  once  in  two  weeks,  and   have   sub- 

56 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

scribed  $120,  besides  my  board.  They  are  ex- 
ceedingly anxious  to  have  me  settle  with  them, 
but  how  long  I  shall  tarry  is  not  certain.  Should 
I  consent  I  should  have  a  good  home,  probably  a 
good  house  to  preach  in,  a  good  support,  a  pleas- 
ant, healthful  country  to  reside  in.  But  thus  far 
I  have  calculated  to  be  actuated  only  by  a  sense 
of  duty,  and  I  am  still  firmly  resolved  to  pursue 
that  course.  When  duty  shall  thus  call  I  shall 
make  my  way  to  Vermont.  Till  then,  dear 
mother,  let  us  say  to  Him  whose  right  it  is  to 
rule,  *  Thy  will  be  done.'  I  must  say  at  times  1 
am  a  little  homesick,  but  generally  am  happy  and 
contented,  and  during  the  past  few  months  have 
had  some  as  happy  hours  as  I  ever  had  in  my  life. 
1  have  received  a  letter  from  brother  Thomas, 
and  want  more  letters  from  friends  in  Vermont, 
Amanda  and  Harry  in  particular." 

The  three  years  so  full  of  rich  experience  were 
almost  gone,  and  in  the  spring  of  1840  he  started 
back  to  Vermont.  His  oldest  brother,  Hiram,  was 
a  circuit  preacher  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  with  his  home  at  Ferrisburg,  Vt.  Ran- 
som writes  in  his  journal  :  "  After  many  gloomy 
hours  on  my  long  journey  alone,  and  having  been 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

absent  from  all  my  relatives  for  nearly  three 
years,  it  was  with  satisfaction  not  to  be  described 
that  I  again  beheld  the  face  of  my  brother.  The 
next  day,  after  hearing  him  in  the  morning,  I 
preached  at  his  request.  Being  earnestly  solicit- 
ed by  my  brother  and  others  to  hold  a  protracted 
meeting,  I  at  last  consented.  My  health  having 
improved  while  on  my  journey,  I  spoke  with  con- 
siderable ease,  but  soon  my  voice  became  very 
hoarse  ;  however,  I  was  enabled  to  go  on  with 
the  meeting,  which  lasted  two  weeks.  Between 
sixty  and  seventy  persons  came  forward  for 
prayer  the  first  week,  and  many  were  hopefully 
converted  to  God.  The  next  week  also  saw  some 
happy  conversions.  The  people  were  very  kind, 
and  my  stay  in  Ferrisburg  will  long  be  grate- 
fully remembered."  In  company  with  another 
brother,  Lewis,  who  had  come  to  meet  him,  he 
started  for  Bakersfield,  stopping  with  a  Mr.  Prouty, 
at  Jericho,  from  whose  house  he  had  made  his 
start  for  the  trip  to  Ohio,  and  also  visiting  Rev.  J. 
E.  Davis  on  the  way.  He  says:  *' As  I  drew 
near  the  old  farm  I  passed  the  old  schoolhouse 
where  I  had  sat  in  school  so  many  days.  My 
friends  were  well  and  glad  to  see  me,  but  every- 

58 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

thing  had  changed  ;  the  children  were  grown  out 
of  my  knowledge,  and  the  older  ones  fast  grow- 
ing aged.  But  there  were  some  interesting  events 
of  this  week  at  the  old  place  that  will  never  be 
effaced  from  memory,  and  the  Sabbath  day  was 
peculiarly  so.  My  brother  preached  in  the  old 
town  house  in  the  morning  to  a  good  congrega- 
tion. He  spoke  especially  of  his  anticipated  la- 
bors as  a  missionary  in  India.  In  the  afternoon  1 
spoke  to  a  large  assembly.  At  five  o'clock  1 
preached  at  the  schoolhouse,  and  exhorted  my 
former  associates  to  yield  to  Christ.  At  the  close 
of  the  meeting  we  repaired  to  a  stream,  on  the 
banks  of  which  I  had  stood  many  a  time  with  the 
fishing  line,  where  I  was  permitted  to  baptize  six, 
four  of  whom  were  my  former  schoolmates,  and 
one  was  my  youngest  brother,  for  whom  I  had 
had  much  anxiety  the  first  fall  after  going  to  Ohio. 
He  said  it  was  my  letter,  written  at  that  time 
while  on  my  knees,  which  arrested  his  attention, 
and  changed  him  from  a  vain,  wicked  youth  to  an 
obedient  Christian." 

The  older  brother,    Lewis,  was   at  that  time 
attending  school  at  New  Hampton  Academy,  New 
Hampshire,  where  the  lady  he  afterward  married,. 
59 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Miss  Lucy  Ann  Teale,  was  a  student  and  teacher. 
This  academy  was  in  charge  of  the  Calvinistic 
Baptists,  and  was  afterward  moved  to  Fairfax, 
Vermont,  where  this  same  Lewis  A.  Dunn  was 
pastor  of  the  church  for  twenty-nine  years,  and 
trustee  of  the  institution.  Through  his  influence 
the  Freewill  Baptists  were  urged  to  occupy  the 
ground  at  New  Hampton,  and  opened  an  academy 
there.  Professor  Stanton  and  Rev.  L  D.Stewart 
were  among  the  first  teachers.  The  Biblical 
School  of  Whitestown,  N.  Y.,  with  Rev.  J.  J. 
Butler  and  Rev.  J.  Fullonton  as  teachers,  was 
afterwards  located  here  until  it  became  connected 
with  Bates  College.  A  commercial  department 
was  added  to  the  New  Hampton  Institute,  and 
for  many  years,  under  the  efficient  supervision  of 
Professor  A.  B.  Meservey,  who  has  just  passed  to 
his  reward,  this  school  has  done  a  great  work.  But 
at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  one  three-story  brick 
building,  in  a  country  village,  with  no  railroad  or 
telegraph,  was  the  extent  of  this  school.  But 
able  teachers  were  there  molding  the  lives  of 
earnest  students.  Among  these  teachers  were 
Eli  B.  Smith  and  J.  Newton  Brown,  men  of  ac- 
r,o 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

knowledged  ability.  Here  tiie  youn^^  preacher 
from  the  West  came  to  spend  his  summer  vaca- 
tion. 

Ransom  Dunn  was  a  student  always  and  every- 
where. From  the  days  when  the  little  boy 
rejoiced  in  his  first  geography  over  which  he 
pored  by  the  light  from  the  old  log  fireplace,  or 
walked  three  miles  to  the  village  to  get  Rollins' 
History  or  Josephus,  to  the  time  he  carried  his 
growing  library  with  him  in  Ohio,  studying  as 
he  went,  he  was  eager  for  knowledge.  And  his 
was  a  logical  and  analytical  mind.  He  had 
thought  out  for  himself  his  theology  amid  skepti- 
cism and  Universalism.  He  had  made  his  own 
commentary  by  the  constant  comparing  of  Scrip- 
ture. But  now  he  had  the  privilege  for  a  short 
time  of  sitting  down  to  study,  with  students  and 
teachers,  his  favorite  themes,  moral  philosophy, 
evidences  of  Christianity,  and  natural  theology. 
And  with  his  trained  memory  and  habits  of  atten- 
tion he  could  do  in  weeks  what  others  would  do 
in  months.  But  this  close  application  soon  showed 
its  results  on  the  eyes,  always  weak,  and  after 
one  term  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  the  study. 
During  these  weeks  at  New  Hampton  he  had  been 

61 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

in  the  habit  of  attending  the  Freewill  Baptist 
■churches  in  the  vicinity.  The  pastor  of  one  of 
them,  Ebenezer  Fisk,  invited  him  to  stop  with 
him  while  resting  his  eyes,  and  his  son  tells  us 
that  "with  some  hesitancy  Elder  Fisk  invited 
this  stripling  to  occupy  his  pulpit,"  and  he  adds  : 
■""  It  was  remarkable  with  what  rapidity  this  hesi- 
tation was  wont  to  vanish  when  that  mouth  was 
once  open."  After  he  had  spoken  for  them  two 
or  three  times,  they  gave  him  a  present  of  eight 
dollars,  much  to  his  surprise,  and  the  regard  man- 
ifested on  short  acquaintance  deeply  touched  him. 
He  had  driven  through  from  Ohio  to  Vermont, 
and  at  his  brother's  suggestion  brought  his  horse 
and  carriage  to  New  Hampton,  and  was  thus  en- 
abled to  attend  meetings  in  various  directions  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  met  the  ministers  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Maine,  an  acquaintance  to  be  pleasantly 
renewed  a  little  later. 

The  last  of  August  Mr.  Dunn  returned  to  Ohio. 
During  his  visit  East  he  had  some  correspondence 
with  Mary  Eliza  Allen,  whom  he  had  met  in  1838 
in  Williamsfield.  This  family  was  related  to 
Ethan  Allen,  of  Vermont,  of  Revolutionary  fame. 
The  mother  had  been  an  invalid,  and  the  daugh- 

62 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

ter's  reputation  as  a  home  maker  as  well  as  a 
Christian  worker  had  reached  the  ears  of  the 
evangelist  before  he  met  her.  Her  earnestness 
and  ability  were  evident  as  the  meetings  pro- 
gressed. She  had  been  sprinkled  in  infancy,  and 
felt  it  her  duty  to  go  forward  in  believer's  bap- 
tism, and  so  presented  herself  to  him  as  a  candi- 
date for  this  Christian  ordinance.  She  was  a 
highly  cultivated  woman,  with  gracious  manners. 
On  his  return  to  Ohio  they  were  married  by 
Rev.  D.  M.  L.  Rollin.  And  the  wanderer  had 
now  a  little  home  of  his  own.  The  salary  re- 
ceived from  his  regular  appointments  was  only 
two  hundred  dollars  a  year,  but  gifts  in  addition 
made  a  comfortable  living. 

He  tells  a  little  incident  showing  how  this  was 
brought  about,  and  why  he  was  a  pastor  in  a 
home  in  Ohio  instead  of  a  traveling  missionary 
in  the  far  West  as  he  expected.  It  seems  that 
the  first  year  he  was  in  Ohio  he  bought  a  horse, 
and  a  good  brother  signed  the  note  with  him,  pay- 
able in  one  year.  Just  before  the  pay  day  he 
returned  to  Ashtabula  county,  intending  to  get 
more  time  if  possible,  if  not,  to  give  up  the  horse 
to  the  endorser,  as  he  was  still  unable  to  pay  for 

63 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

it.  The  horse  had  grown  finely,  and  the  en- 
dorser had  agreed  to  pay  twenty-five  per  cent 
advance  on  cost.  *'But  before  reaching  the 
place,"  Mr.  Dunn  says,  ''the  horse  was  taken 
sick  and  soon  closed  his  own  troubles  if  not  mine. 
I  was  in  debt  for  a  dead  horse,  no  money  to  pay 
the  debt  or  buy  another,  and  to  leave  on  foot  as 
before  anticipated  for  new  settlements  without 
paying  the  debt  would  not  be  favorable  to  con- 
science or  reputation.  In  the  place  where  I  met 
with  this  loss  the  people  requested  me  to  preach 
half  the  time  for  six  months,  and  agreed  to  pay 
for  the  dead  horse.  1  consented  to  stay,  although 
it  was  hard  to  give  up  the  Western  tour.  Using 
the  spare  Sabbaths  for  special  efforts,  I  had  a  two 
days'  meeting  in  Trumbull ;  shortly  after  in  Wil- 
liamsfield,  where  we  had  a  glorious  time,  and 
where  I  became  acquainted  with  Miss  Eliza  Allen, 
who  afterward  became  Mrs.  Dunn.  A  few  weeks 
later  I  held  the  meeting  in  Cherry  Valley,  where 
over  one  hundred  were  baptized  within  a  few 
months,  a  church  organized,  and  pledges  taken 
for  a  meeting-house.  Preachers  were  scarce.  I 
was  asked  to  take  the  pastoral  charge,  which 
continued  for  five  years.     I  was  married,  instead 

64 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

of  living  single  like  Paul ;  was  a  pastor  instead  of 
an  evangelist  as  anticipated;  was  in  Ohio,  instead 
of  visiting  Illinois  and  then  returning  to  New 
England  as  expected.  The  death  of  that  colt 
was  apparently  God's  plan  for  directing  my  life, 
and  my  social  and  professional  position  hinged 
upon  that  trivial  event."  He  might  also  have 
added,  his  future  life  work  in  a  new  field  of 
activity ;  for  it  was  at  this  time  in  Ohio  that  he 
began  to  pass  into  his  second  profession  that  was 
to  occupy  so  large  a  part  of  his  useful  life — that 
of  teacher. 

The  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  Yearly  Meeting 
appointed  Hon.  Samuel  Philbrick,  Rev.  A.  K. 
Moulton,  and  Rev.  Ransom  Dunn  a  committee  to 
establish  an  academy  at  Chester,  in  Geauga 
county.  Mr.  Dunn  canvassed  the  county,  riding 
more  than  one  thousand  miles  in  its  interests. 
He  also  secured  the  active  interest  of  David 
Marks  in  the  enterprise.  ''The  Ohio  legislature 
put  restrictions  into  the  charter  first  granted,  for- 
bidding the  admission  of  students  of  color,  and 
Elder  Dunn  joined  himself  heartily  with  others 
in  protest,  and  finally  a  clean  charter  was  ob- 
tained.    At  that  time,"  Dr.  Ball  says,  ''such  a 

Go 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

result  was  significant,  as  the  proslavery  spirit 
even  in  Ohio  was  strong  and  aggressive."  The 
intention  was  to  make  it  a  manual  labor  school, 
and  eighty  acres  of  land  were  purchased  for  a 
farm.  While  the  buildings  were  being  erected 
the  school  opened  in  1842,  in  the  church.  The 
students  paid  from  three  dollars  to  five  dol- 
lars a  term  for  tuition,  and  boarded  in  families 
for  one  dollar  a  week.  The  school  was  named 
the  "Western  Reserve  Seminary"  but  afterward 
called  "Geauga  Seminary."  Its  first  teacher 
was  Asahel  Nichols.  Mr.  Marks  was  trying  to 
raise  a  fund  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  securing  most  of  it  in  pledges,  over 
two  thousand  dollars  having  been  subscribed  in 
Chester,  and  one  hundred  dollars  donated  by  the 
Free  Baptist  Education  Society.  At  this  school 
were  educated  many  of  the  ministers  who  after- 
ward became  leaders  in  the  denomination.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Daniel  Branch  had  charge  of  the  school 
from  1845  "to  1849,  ^nd  were  most  devoted  in 
their  work.  They  were  followed  by  Rev.  Geo. 
H.  Ball,  who  numbered  James  A.  Garfield  among 
his  pupils.  Mrs.  Garfield,  then  Miss  Rudolph, 
was  also  a  student  here.     Rev.  George  T.  Day 

G6 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

was  principal  for  a  sliort  time.  Rev.  C.  B. 
Mills  and  Prof,  Spencer  J.  Fowler  were  the  last 
principals.  When  Hillsdale  College  was  estab- 
lished it  was  thought  best  to  centre  the  educa- 
tional work  there,  and  through  the  influence  of 
Ransom  Dunn  and  Samuel  Philbrlck  the  funds 
and  apparatus  were  turned  over  to  the  college, 
the  building  sold  for  a  public  school,  and  the  use- 
ful work  of  the  seminary  merged  into  the  new 
and  larger  institution. 

While  our  Ohio  minister  was  so  busily  engaged 
in  planting  churches  and  schools  in  the  West  he 
was  not  forgotten  in  New  England.  In  1840 
William  Burr  and  others  had  organized  what  is 
now  the  Washington  Street  church  of  Dover, 
N.  H.,  and  they  called  Rev.  Ransom  Dunn  to  be 
their  first  pastor.  Mr.  Burr's  first  letter  had 
reached  him  just  as  he  was  going  to  New  Hamp- 
ton, and  urged  him  to  come  for  a  visit  if  no  more, 
to  see  the  church  and  to  preach  to  them,  and 
stated  that  two  hundred  dollars  had  been  sub- 
scribed, and  one  hundred  dollars  more  could  be 
secured  if  he  would  come  to  remain.  But  he  had 
felt  that  Ohio's  need  was  greater,  and  had  gone 
back  to  labor  among  the  churches  there.     The 

67 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

work  had  been  heavy,  for  in  addition  to  his  pas- 
toral charge  he  had  numerous  calls  for  special 
meetings,  which  he  never  declined  if  able  to  go. 
The  sickness  of  his  wife's  brothers  had  brought 
added  family  cares,  as  the  oversight  of  the 
widowed  mother's  farm  fell  upon  him.  His  own 
family  had  increased  by  the  birth  of  two  boys, 
Newell  Ransom  at  Cherry  Valley,  July  13,  1841, 
and  Francis  Wayland  in  Wayne,  Jan.  29,  1843. 
The  call  to  Dover  was  now  renewed,  and 
finally  accepted  for  a  year.  He  traveled  with 
his  own  conveyance  from  Ohio  to  New  England. 
One  evening,  as  he  was  driving  along,  his  car- 
riage failed  in  some  part  and  he  fixed  it  as  well  as 
possible  and  resumed  his  journey.  But  the 
horse  would  not  proceed,  and  after  a  little  delay 
he  decided  to  turn  back  to  the  house  just  passed, 
and  give  his  horse  rest,  and  ^ait  until  daylight  to 
repair  the  carriage,  instead  of  pushing  on,  as  in- 
tended, to  a  friend's  home  a  little  farther  ahead. 
He  was  kindly  received,  and  tarried  for  the  night. 
The  next  morning  he  found  that  just  in  front  of 
the  place  where  they  had  stopped  was  a  danger- 
ous break  in  the  road.  This  story  is  told  by  Rev. 
N.  W.  Bixby,  then  a  pastor  in  Vermont,  as  "one 

68 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

of  the  many  Providences  that  protected  his  life 
till  his  work  was  done."  During  his  stay  at 
Dover  the  church  was  completed  and  paid  for. 
The  basement  was  used  as  the  publication  house 
of  the  Morning  Star  for  a  long  time.  This  pas- 
torate gave  him  his  first  fixed  salary,  four  hun- 
dred dollars.  His  work  was  not  only  in  the 
church,  though  that  was  constantly  increasing, 
but  his  lectures  on  temperance  and  slavery  were 
numerous  and  effective.  But  he  was  not  satis- 
fied with  results  of  his  efforts  in  direct  soul 
saving.  He  wrote  to  his  mother:  '*I  am  aware  | 
that  there  are  various  ways  to  do  good,  and  that  ( 
a  man  is  not  always  the  most  useful  when  he 
makes  the  most  noise  and  produces  the  most  ex- 
citement. I  am  aware,  too,  that  it  is  not  always  . 
known  when  we  are  doing  the  most,  but,  leaving 
the  event  with  God,  we  may  know  we  are  doing 
the  best  we  can.  But  it  is  my  present  convic- 
tion that  my  labors  would  be  more  useful  in  Ohio. 
We  are,  however,  settled  in  a  comfortable  home 
and  quite  contented,  and  the  people  manifest 
extreme  anxiety  for  my  continued  stay."  He 
said  afterward  of  this  Dover  experience:  "  The 
associations  and  acquaintances  were  most  agree- 

GO 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

able,  especially  with  the  church  officers ;  and 
Brother  Burr  was  the  best  church  deacon  I  ever 
saw.  My  attachments  for  that  people  were 
strong  and  lasting,  and  their  success  and  pros- 
perity have  ever  been  a  source  of  great  joy  to 
me." 

To  quote  a  former  biographer:  ''Mr.  Dunn 
was  now  twenty-six  years  of  age,  known,  loved, 
and  honored.  East  and  West,  and  looked  upon 
as  one  of  the  rising  men  of  the  denomination. 
He  had  a  worthy  record  as  an  evangelist,  a  repu- 
tation as  a  powerful  preacher,  and  now  he  was 
to  widen  his  sphere  of  influence  and  win  laurels 
in  the  new  and  untried  field  of  teaching." 
Geauga  Seminary  needed  him,  and  the  church  at 
Chester  called  him,  and  he  said,  "  Having  labored 
anxiously  and  earnestly  for  the  establishment  of 
that  Western  seminary  and  given  encouragement 
to  them  and  the  church  there  of  future  help,  I 
felt  obliged  to  accept  their  call." 

He  was  at  this  time  recording  secretary  of  the 
Home  Mission  Society,  and  at  their  annual  meet- 
ing in  October,  1843,  the  stirring  words  with 
which  he  closed  his  report  made  a  strong  impres- 
sion :     "  Dear  brethren,  something  must  be  done 

70 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

now.  Unless  we  awake  and  go  into  this  great 
Western  field  the  harvest  will  perish,  souls  be 
lost,  God  dishonored,  and  we  condemned."  His 
voice  was  heard,  too,  in  the  Education  Society, 
the  voice  of  the  future  teacher  in  seminary  and 
college,  urging  the  education  of  the  ministry; 
hut,  lest  he  should  be  thought  to  belittle  the  work 
of  those  who  had  not  the  chance  for  education, 
he  added  :  "  The  first  impression  made  upon  my 
heart  was  by  one  called  to  preach  after  he  was 
forty  years  old  and  with  no  opportunity  for  edu- 
cation. But  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was 
with  him.  Let  us  have  such  preachers."  The 
General  Conference  met  at  Unadilla  Forks,  N.  Y., 
that  year.  David  Marks  thus  reports  one  speech 
of  Ransom  Dunn  :  "  The  pressing  invitations  to 
come  to  the  West  have  not  been  urged  without  a 
feeling  response  in  my  heart.  I  have  felt  deeply 
for  all  our  benevolent  institutions,  foreign  mis- 
sions, education,  and  antislavery,  but  for  home 
missions  more,  because  on  its  success  depends  in 
great  measure  all  the  others.  At  the  East  I  have 
fared  well.  The  brethren's  hearts  have  been 
open  and  they  have  been  liberal.  Good  offers 
were  held  out  to  induce  my  stay.     But  I  could 

71 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

not  rest.  A  cry  was  in  my  ears  from  the  West, 
and  I  am  now  on  my  way  again  to  that  field  of 
labor.  I  am  ashamed  that  I  have  accomplished 
no  more,  yet  it  is  interesting  to  see  in  that  sec- 
tion five  thousand  members  where  there  were 
two  thousand.  To  that  land,  and  even  beyond 
to  the  cabins  of  the  wilderness,  I  hasten  with 
delight.  Farewell,  Brother  Burr,  and  others 
with  whom  I  have  taken  sweet  counsel.  The 
widening  field  calls  us  to  separate  for  a  season." 
One  who  heard  eye-witnesses  tell  of  this  occa- 
sion, says:  "\t  was  a  most  impressive  scene 
when  this  young  man,  slight  of  form,  smooth  of 
face,  nervous  in  speech  and  manner,  pleaded  for 
home  missions.  He  knew  both  East  and  West. 
At  that  time  honor  and  preferment  invited  the 
Christian  minister  to  Eastern  fields.  Hardship, 
unending  toil,  and  scanty  remuneration  were  the 
reward  of  him  who  cast  his  lot  with  the  West. 
But  only  the  clear  light  of  eternity  can  reveal  all 
that  it  meant  when  Ransom  Dunn  gave  his  life  to 
the  cause  of  Christ  in  our  great  West." 

Among  the  interested  listeners  to  this  impas- 
sioned speech  was  a  young  man  who  had  come 
with  David  Marks  and   his  wife  from   Ohio,  a 

72 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

long  horseback  journey,  to  attend  this  General 
Conference.  His  name  was  Edmund  B.  Fair- 
field. He  was  a  graduate  and  tutor  of  Oberlin 
College,  and  was  now  entering  upon  his  first 
work  for  the  Free  Baptists.  These  two  young 
men,  Fairfield  and  Dunn,  were  to  meet  again, 
not  only  in  denominational  gatherings,  but  in  the 
arduous  task  of  founding  a  college. 

While  he  was  attending  this  conference  the 
wife  and  little  boys  had  gone  by  rail  and  stage 
from  Dover  to  Fairfax  for  a  visit,  and  at  its  close 
the  family  went  on  to  Ohio,  where  in  November 
he  became  a  pastor  of  the  church  at  Chester,  and 
had  constant  accessions  to  its  membership  while 
he  remained.  He  gave  a  series  of  lectures  on 
natural  theology  in  the  seminary,  and  taught  a 
class  in  moral  science ;  and  was  heard  in  various 
places  in  lectures  against  slavery  and  infidelity. 
A  revival  at  Chagrin  Falls  brought  out  seventy- 
five  converts,  but  he  was  obliged  to  close  the 
meeting  on  account  of  his  health.  The  raw 
winds  from  Lake  Erie,  together  with  the  contin- 
uous speaking,  brought  on  throat  trouble,  and  a 
change  of  climate  was  recommended.  "The 
church  at  Great  Falls,  N.  H.,  had  been  shattered 

73 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 


Rev.  Ransom  Dunn.     1845. 


with  severe  trials  and  needed  a  discreet  and  able 
pastor,  and  it  was  believed  Ransom  Dunn  was 
just  the  man,"  a  record  tells  us.  And  he  him- 
self says  :  '*  When  those  who  knew  the  situa- 
tion wrote  that  it  seemed  the  only  hope  of  the 
church,  the  call  was  accepted,  and  from  1845  to 
1848  we  enjoyed  there  a  precious  work  of  grace. 
About  two  hundred  professed  faith  in  Christ,  but 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

the  loss  of  a  factory  dam  sent  many  to  their 
homes,  so  that  only  one  hundred  united  with  our 
churcli."  A  letter  written  at  that  time  thus  tells 
the  story  :  '*  Our  large  meeting-house  is  fre- 
quently crowded,  and  when  the  congregation  is 
dismissed  for  a  season  of  prayer  and  conversa- 
tion with  anxious  souls,  over  two  hundred  often 
remain.  Last  evening,  after  testimony  from 
sixty  who  had  been  converted  during  the  revival, 
it  was  necessary  to  prevent  others  from  taking 
part  because  nearly  one  hundred  were  waiting 
for  personal  conversation."  The  love  of  the 
people  of  Great  Falls  for  him  is  well  shown  in 
the  following  letter  from  Rev.  J.  M.  W.  Farnham, 
a  missionary  in  Shanghai,  who  knew  him  at 
this  time:  'M  sat  under  Dr.  Dunn's  preaching 
when  he  was  a  young  man  and  I  was  a  lad  in  the 
cotton  mills  at  Great  Falls.  I  looked  upon  him 
with  that  love  and  veneration  which  nearly  all 
felt  who  came  within  the  sphere  of  his  influence. 
He  won  my  boyish  love  as  an  eloquent  and  de- 
vout man  of  God,  and  I  have  never  ceased  to 
think  of  him  with  affection.  I  had  been  out  of 
the  country  twenty  years  and  was  visiting  at 
Ocean  Park.     Professor  Dunn  was  to  preach  in 

75 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  Temple.  I  knew  I  was  changed,  and  could 
not  expect  to  listen  to  him  as  I  had  done  so  many 
years  ago.  Was  it  a  boyish  fancy  ?  Must  he 
not  suffer  by  comparison  with  Newman  Hall, 
Henry  Ward  Beecher,  Spurgeon,  or  other  elo- 
quent preachers  ?  I  composed  myself  to  listen, 
and  with  what  result  ?  There  was  no  place  for 
comparison  or  criticism.  I  was  as  enchanted  as 
ever  with  his  earnestness  and  eloquence,  which, 
like  the  magnificent  natural  scenery  of  old  Leba- 
non, does  not  suffer  by  comparison.  There  was 
no  diminution,  no  dwindling,  with  my  ideal 
preacher,  the  Rev.  Ransom  Dunn."  The  regard 
of  the  church  showed  itself  in  a  donation  visit, 
whose  substantial  results  were  seventy  dollars  in 
money,  besides  many  useful  articles.  The  pas- 
tor thus  acknowledged  it:  "Not  only  does  the 
unmerited  liberality  of  the  many  donors  richly 
deserve  expressions  of  gratitude  from  myself  and 
Mrs.  Dunn,  but  the  very  uncommon  religious 
interest  calls  for  eternal  praise  to  God,  and  will 
often  be  looked  back  upon  as  a  green  spot  in  the 
desert  of  life."  The  converts  showed  their  in- 
terest in  the  church  as  well  as  the  pastor  by 
their  systematic  giving  in  response  to  his  plans. 

76 


A  HOME  IN  OHIO 

He  used  to  say:  "A  cent  will  make  as  much 
noise  as  a  quarter  in  a  collection  box.  Have 
regular  weekly  pledges." 

These  were  busy  days,  not  only  in  pastoral 
duties  but  in  other  directions.  "  Millerism," 
''  Come-outism,"  and  *'  Anti-ism"  were  disturb- 
ing the  peace  of  the  churches  ;  antislavery  agita- 
tion was  shaking  the  country.  Men  of  clear 
brains  and  forceful  speech  were  in  demand.  The 
Free  Baptists  stood  openly  and  boldly  for  aboli- 
tion principles.  While  this  position  for  abolition 
of  slavery  caused  them  some  persecution  it  also 
won  them  friends.  It  was  because  of  their  po- 
sition on  this  question  that  Otis  Robinson  Bach- 
eler  joined  this  denomination  and  became  one  of 
their  pioneer  missionaries  to  India.  They  had 
organized  an  Antislavery  Society,  and  at  their 
meeting  in  Lowell  in  1845  Ransom  Dunn  was 
elected  president  and  made  chairman  of  the  ex- 
ecutive committee.  John  P.  Hale  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, with  others,  was  protesting  against  the 
annexation  of  slave  States.  "  Candor  and  good 
sense  characterized  Pastor  Dunn  as  a  helper," 
and  his  brilliant  talents  were  gladly  used  in  New 
England  for  the  cause  of  antislavery. 
77 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

The  teaching  qualities  which  began  to  develop 
in  Geauga  Seminary  were  not  idle  here,  awaiting 
their  larger  development  in  Hillsdale  College. 
For  the  quarterly  meetings  asked  his  aid  in  min- 
isterial institutes,  and  requested  the  publication 
of  the  doctrinal  sermons  given  by  request.  And 
the  informal  meetings  of  pastors  of  neighboring 
churches  became  a  regular  class  for  the  study  of 
theology  with  Pastor  Dunn  as  leader,  meeting 
weekly  in  his  study.  One  of  the  most  inter- 
ested of  this  number  of  earnest  students  was 
Rev.  William  Littlefield,  whose  son  is  now  in 
Congress.  He  was  pastor  at  Lebanon,  Me., 
where  he  invited  Mr.  Dunn  to  assist  him  in 
special  meetings.  One  of  the  New  Hampshire 
pastors  at  that  time  was  Rev.  G.  P.  Ramsey, 
whose  wife,  Vienna  G.  Ramsey,  is  still  with  us, 
and  will  continue  to  live,  after  she  is  gone, 
through  her  verses.  She  writes  of  Dr.  Dunn 
and  his  influence  in  the  State  and  denomination 
as  follows :  **Of  all  men  whom  I  have  known 
there  is  not  one  w^ho  has  inspired  me  wuth  greater 
love  and  reverence.  To  know  him  was  to  love 
him.  I  remember  him  as  the  perfect  gentleman, 
the  modest  but  wise  counselor,  the  brilliant  orator 


A   HOME  IN  OHIO 

who  forgot  himself  in  his  love  for  Christ  and  the 
church.  His  presence  in  our  gatherings  was 
always  a  benediction,  and  we  thanked  God  for 
the  gift  of  such  a  brother.  His  influence  for 
good  remains  among  the  churches  of  New  Eng- 
land that  knew  him  half  a  century  ago." 

At  the  General  Conference  at  Sutton,  Vt.,  in 
1847,  he  served  on  committees  on  antislavery  and 
on  the  Sabbath.  He  was  heard  in  brief  and 
pointed  remarks  on  temperance  and  Sabbath 
Schools.  The  reporter  (E.  B.  Fairfield)  said: 
"  Brother  Dunn  speaks  so  rapidly  it  is  impossible 
to  do  him  justice  in  any  report.  The  reporter 
hardly  knows  which  of  his  words  to  put  down — 
he  can't  get  them  all — and  very  few  get  down  at 
all."  These  are  some  of  the  words  he  did  get: 
''These  children  will  be  educated  somehow,  if 
not  religiously,  then  for  death  and  hell.  Impres- 
sions are  being  made  as  lasting  as  eternity.  Half 
the  labor  of  mankind  is  to  undo  what  has  been 
done  wrong.  There  are  hundreds  of  children 
and  youth  in  our  factory  towns  that  should  be 
turned  into  our  Sunday  schools."  When  it  came 
to  home  missions,  "Brother  Dunn!"  was  called 
for  by  voices  in  all  directions.     He  gave  a  vigor- 

79 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ous  address,  full  of  information  and  prophecy  in 
regard  to  the  growth  of  the  West,  and  closing 
with  words  of  pathos  and  feeling:  "  I  am  not, 
as  some  suppose,  a  native  of  the  West.  In  New 
England  are  the  grave  of  my  father  and  the  home 
of  my  widowed  mother  and  my  brothers  and  sis- 
ters. But  God  drove  me  West  in  my  youth  to 
work  in  that  wide  field  independent  of  any  so- 
ciety. And,  God  willing,  that  field  I  shall  yet 
occupy  though  circumstances  for  the  present 
have  made  it  duty  to  labor  in  the  East.  The 
!  moment  we  fold  our  arms  and  cease  to  make  ag- 
*  gressive  movements,  we  die.  We  must  lengthen 
our  cords  and  strengthen  our  stakes  and  stretch 
out  into  new  fields."  He  little  thought  how  God 
was  to  send  him  West  this  time,  and  what  waves 
of  sorrow  should  roll  over  his  own  soul  before  his 
next  missionary  work  should  have  its  struggles 
and  rewards. 


80 


THE    FIRST    GREAT    SORROW— BOSTON    PASTOR- 
ATE—PROSTRATED 

The  spring  of  1848  found  Pastor  Dunn  tired 
after  a  severe  winter's  work.  Invitations  to  as- 
sist Rev.  E.  B.  Fairfield  in  Roxbury  and  other 
pastors  in  other  places  had  come  to  him  in  addi- 
tion to  the  numerous  demands  in  his  own  com- 
munity and  State.  The  church  at  Brockport 
extended  him  a  call  to  be  their  pastor.  But  he 
wrote  to  his  mother  :  ''  Mother  Allen's  health  is 
failing  and  she  feels  as  though  we  must  be  there. 
We  may  return  this  summer.  The  people  are 
exceedingly  unwilling  to  have  us  leave,  and  if 
mother  is  willing,  we  may  sell  the  property  and 
bring  her  here  with  us  next  year.  My  services 
close  here  in  April,  and  Brother  Noyes  of  Boston 
is  very  anxious  I  should  supply  his  desk  while  he 
visits  England." 

81 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Other  events,  however,  were  to  decide  his 
plans.  A  shadow  was  creeping  over  the  pastor's 
home  in  Great  Falls.  Mrs.  Dunn  had  taken  a 
severe  cold,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  the 
wife,  with  her  rare  intellectual  attainments  and 
deep  piety,  was  fast  sinking  with  consumption. 
Mrs.  Hills,  who  was  then  the  wife  of  Rev.  E. 
Hutchins,  pastor  at  Dover,  tells  us,  ''  Mrs.  Dunn 
was  a  charming,  lovely,  Christian  woman,  whom 
to  know  was  to  love,  a  fit  partner  for  an  ambas- 
sador of  God."  Her  devotion  to  her  children 
and  to  her  husband's  work  had  been  too  much 
for  the  frail  body,  perhaps.  She  had  tried  to 
keep  with  him  in  his  studies  and  to  be  with  him 
in  his  Christian  labors,  but  now  she  was  obliged 
to  give  it  all  up.  He  took  her  to  Boston  for  con- 
sultation and  treatment,  and  was  tenderly  de- 
voted in  his  care.  The  longing  for  the  old  home 
and  mother  and  the  hope  that  change  of  climate 
might  benefit,  sent  the  family  back  to  Ohio  in 
May.  But  no  climate  or  care  could  prevail.  The 
anxious  husband  tried  to  throw  himself  into  reli- 
gious work  as  of  old  and  was  gladly  welcomed  to 
quarterly  meeting  sessions ;  but  he  could  see,  as 
could  all  the  sympathizing  friends,  that  the  end 

82 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

of  the  happy  home  life  was  near.  *'  On  the  4th 
of  August,  Ransom  at  seven,  Wayland  five,  and 
baby  Cedelia  three  years  of  age,  with  the  dis- 
tracted father,  stood  around  the  dying  bed  of  a 
victorious  saint."  To  each  of  the  children  she 
gave  a  Bible,  with  her  parting  words ;  to  her 
husband  she  said,  "Tell  them  —  tell  sinners  —  I 
loved  them  to  the  last  "  ;  to  her  friends  at  Great 
Falls  she  sent  a  message  telling  of  the  blessed 
support  and  consolation  of  religion  in  the  dying 
hour.  When  the  bereaved  husband  tried  to  give 
these  messages,  he  said,  *'  I  can  scarcely  com- 
prehend the  strength  of  that  grace  which  enabled 
her,  with  a  smile  bespeaking  more  of  heaven  than 
earth,  to  say,  while  swinging  out  from  the  promon- 
tory overlooking  eternity,  as  she  gazed  on  the 
abyss  below,  with  an  air  of  perfect  triumph,  *  All 
is  well.'  "  At  the  funeral  service  at  Cherry 
Valley  and  the  burial  in  Wayne,  two  of  her  hus- 
band's converts  officiated,  Rev.  D.  L.  Rice  and 
Rev.  Rufus  Clark.  And  here  we  must  adopt  the 
language  of  another  :  "  Biography  may  portray 
the  external,  may  even  picture  states  of  mind  in 
developing  manhood,  but  what  pen  can  reveal 
the  Gethsemane  of  a  grief-distraught  soul  ?     The 

83 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

torture  of  the  dismembered  home,  the  quartering 
out  of  the  little  brood,  the  leaving  of  the  nest 
through  the  chill  of  winter  —  perhaps  some  can 
imagine  the  untold  tale." 

A  trip  West  was  planned  to  give  weakening 
nerves  relief,  for  ''  Ashtabula  county  was  no 
longer  home,"  he  said,  **  but  one  of  the  most 
gloomy  spots  on  earth."  He  had  learned  with 
Lowell,  that  *'the  many  make  the  household, 
but  only  one  the  home."  A  canal  boat  was  taken 
at  Warren,  Ohio,  for  Beaver,  Pa.,  and  then  the 
Ohio  River  steamer  which  he  describes  as  ''a 
two-story  farmhouse  with  a  narrow  piazza  on  the 
side  and  sawmill  wheel  behind."  He  found  the 
river  *'  not  as  romantic  as  expected,  hills  not  high 
enough  to  be  sublime  nor  low  enough  to  be 
cultivated,  and  piled  down  close  on  either  bank." 
One  of  the  passengers  was  Alexander  Campbell, 
the  founder  of  the  Disciple  denomination,  *'  a 
man  of  dignified  sternness."  Other  interesting 
passengers  were  a  Swedenborgian  priest,  and 
some  soldiers  returning  from  Mexico.  The  crew 
were  rough  and  profane,  the  meals  poor,  and 
progress  slow,  so  that  it  was  a  fatiguing  journey. 
He  passed  by  Maineville,  where  good  Elder  Moses 

84 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

Dudley  lived  and  Elder  Hutchins  and  others  had 
labored.  The  large  cities  impressed  him  — 
*'  Louisville  with  forty  thousand  people  and  only 
nine  churches  ;  St.  Louis  with  fifty  thousand,  busy 
and  wicked  "  ;  and  here  he  was  twelve  hundred 
miles  from  home  and  yet  five  hundred  miles  from 
his  destination,  and  said,  '*  The  farther  I  go  the 
more  I  am  impressed  with  the  vastness  of  our 
Western  country.  Ohio  is  hardly  a  fair  start 
West."  From  the  Ohio  he  passed  into  the 
Mississippi,  which  he  followed  to  Galena  and 
then  **  went  thirty  or  forty  miles  to  see  Brethren 
Tourjee,  Woodworth,  and  Eastman,  former 
friends  in  Ohio,  and  attended  several  meetings 
where  many  rose  for  prayers  —  the  field  is  al- 
ready white  to  harvest."  Kinsman  and  Isaac 
Davis  had  recently  purchased  land  in  this  section 
of  Wisconsin  and  were  making  homes,  and 
preaching.  Racine  and  Johnston  were  also 
visited,  and  the  return  trip  made  by  the  Lakes  to 
Cleveland,  and  the  last  of  October  found  him 
back  in  Chester,  Ohio,  to  see  the  little  boys,  who 
had  been  left  in  the  care  of  friends.  His  accounts 
of  this  Western  tour,  a  long  and  extensive  one 
for  that  time,  touching  ten  States,  are  now  inter- 

85 


\\ 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

esting  to  look  back  upon,  showing  not  only  the 
condition  of  the  country  in  that  formative  period, 
but  his  discernment  and  prophecy  regarding  its 
future ;  and  the  knowledge  of  this  field  thus 
gained  was  to  serve  him  well  in  a  new  work  not 
then  dreamed  of,  but  already  preparing  for  him — 
a  college  endowment  agency.  His  stop  in  West 
Virginia  called  forth  this  exclamation  :  "  My  first 
walk  on  soil  cursed  with  slavery  !  Here  exists 
the  power  that  tears  the  image  of  God  from  its 
high  position  and  tramples  it  in  the  dust."  At 
St.  Louis  he  preached  in  a  colored  Methodist 
Episcopal  church,  his  ''first  privilege  of  preach- 
ing to  poor  slaves."  His  last  word  of  the  field  as 
he  saw  it  is  pathetic  :  "  My  soul  sinks  within  me 
as  I  look  at  these  great  cities  growing  up  and 
these  vast  stretches  of  prairie.  Where  are  the 
men  ?  Where  are  the  means  ?  May  God  send 
forth  laborers,  and  open  hearts  to  sustain  them." 
But  he  sees  the  difficulties  —  "if  there  is  any 
motto  universal  it  is  '  Another  80,'  there  is  al- 
ways another  section  of  land  adjoining.  Sacrifice 
is  needed  on  the  part  of  emigrants  to  be  willing 
to  go  to  places  near  church  privileges,  or  to  give 
toward  building  and  support  of  churches,  and  so 

86 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

stand  against  this  thirst  for  wealth  and  greed  for 
land."  Though  on  a  trip  for  rest  he  preached  at 
every  place  where  opportunity  offered,  and  his 
visits  to  the  homes  of  the  new  settlers  and  meet- 
ings were  "  as  cold  water  to  a  thirsty  soul."  At 
Wiota  he  assisted  in  revival  meetings,  where 
about  thirty  rose  for  prayer. 

He  resumed  his  pastoral  labors  at  Cherry 
Valley  and  held  special  meetings  in  various  places 
during  the  winter.  Eastern  friends  had  not  for- 
gotten him,  for  he  received  a  call  to  be  the  pastor 
of  the  church  at  Manchester,  N.  H.  Friends 
who  had  known  and  respected  him  before,  learned 
to  love  him  still  more  now.  As  one  of  them, 
Rev.  G.  H.  Ball,  said  :  ''  His  great  bereavement 
disclosed  new  excellences  of  character.  His 
married  life  had  been  delightful,  and  when  death 
severed  the  family  ties  he  felt  it  keenly.  He 
was  ardent  in  his  affection,  crushed  by  his  sor- 
row, yet  serene  in  his  faith  and  joyous  in  the 
assurance  of  the  loving  care  of  God.  I  then 
learned  much  of  his  inner  life  and  was  led  to 
admire  his  personal  virtues,  as  I  had  before  ad- 
mired his  talents  and  public  services." 

87 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Early  one  morning,  as  he  left  the  home  where 
his  little  boys  were  boarding,  to  go  to  an  appoint- 
ment, he  was  surprised  to  see  the  two  little 
fellows  following  after,  carrying  their  little  hair- 
covered  trunk  between  them,  and  they  cried  after 
him,  "  Papa,  we're  going  with  you  ;  we  have 
our  things  all  packed."  He  tried  to  explain  that 
he  was  going  to  a  place  forty  miles  away,  and  he 
was  on  horseback,  but  they  assured  him  they 
could  **  keep  up  with  the  horse  and  wouldn't  be 
a  bit  of  trouble."  We  can  imagine  how  the 
father  rode  that  forty  miles  in  tears  and  prayers  ; 
and  are  not  surprised  to  learn  that  he  soon  settled 
up  affairs  in  Ohio  and  took  the  little  boys  to  the 
dearest  friend  of  the  mother,  who  had  the  little 
girl  in  her  care,  and  so  tried  to  keep  the  little 
family  together,  and  near  relatives,  and  where 
he  could  visit  them  frequently,  for  his  work  was 
now  to  be  in  the  East. 

He  had  been  requested  to  go  to  Cincinnati,  to 
Wisconsin,  and  to  Michigan.  This  was  the  time 
of  the  great  California  gold  excitement,  and  sev- 
eral ministers  of  his  acquaintance  were  anxious 
to  follow  the  prospecting  parties  and  go  as  mis- 
sionaries to  this  new  mining  country  if  he  would 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

join  the  company.  He  was  in  painful  suspense 
in  regard  to  his  duty.  But  the  Home  Mission 
Board  desired  him  to  assist  in  work  in  cities  in 
the  East.  Buffalo  had  been  first  suggested,  and 
then  the  appointment  changed  to  New  York  City, 
where  Rev.  Silas  Curtis  had  been  doing  some 
preliminary  work.  In  March,  1849,  ^^^  began 
preaching  in  Stuyvesant  Institute,  a  disused 
medical  lecture  room,  at  659  Broadway.  There 
were  fifteen  hearers,  including  the  choir,  which 
consisted  of  E.  W.  Page  and  wife.  A  better 
place  on  Grand  Street  was  soon  secured  and  fur- 
nished, and  the  congregation  rapidly  increased, 
and  the  minister  became  known  and  called  upon 
in  union  services  in  temperance  agitation.  But 
the  church  interest  in  Boston  demanded  immedi- 
ate attention.  The  church  there  urged  his  com- 
ing and  sent  a  committee  to  see  him,  and  the 
Board  recommended  it,  and,  with  his  usual  prompt 
response  to  the  call  of  duty,  he  went  in  June  to 
this  important  field.  A  letter  says  :  **  For  how 
long  is  uncertain.  The  afflictions  of  the  past 
year  have  taken  all  of  my  earthly  goods,  and  I 
can  hardly  stay  longer  than  expenses  can  be 
paid,  but,  hoping  for  the  best,  it  is  my  design  to 
*  spend  and  be  spent '  for  the  cause  of  Christ." 

89 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

But  he  was  not  to  prosecute  this  great  work 
alone.      September   first   he   went  to   the   little 
home  in  Alfred,  Maine,  where  the  children  had 
already   found   a   new    mother,    and   took    Miss 
Cyrena    Emery   to   Dover,    N.   H.,  where   they 
were  married  by  his  friend.  Rev.  Elias  Hutchins, 
his  successor  as  pastor  of  the  Washington  Street 
church.      Miss  Emery  was  a  native  of  Sanford, 
Me.,  her  ancestors  being  officers  in  the  army  of 
the  Revolution.     One  of  them,  Noah  Emery  of 
Exeter,  N.  H.,  gave  the   estates   to   Dartmouth  . 
College  when  it  was  founded  in   1769.     He  was 
clerk  of  the  Assembly  during  the  Revolution,  and 
the  records  in  the  State-house  at  Concord  are  in 
his    handwriting,  one  of  them  being  the   official 
copy,  in  red  ink,  of  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence.    Her  father  and  mother  had  died  while  she 
and  her  brother  were  small,  and  they  had  lived 
with  their  uncle  until  large  enough  to  go  away  to 
work  or  to  school.     Another  uncle,  John  Storer, 
gave  ten   thousand   dollars   for   the   founding  of 
Storer    College   at   Harper's   Ferry.      It  was   at 
Great  Falls  that  she  first  met  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dunn 
and   became  an  inmate  of  their  home  while  at- 
tending school  there.      It  was  to  her  he  turned 

90 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

when  the  necessity  came  to  go  West,  and  she 
accompanied  the  failing  wife  and  little  children  to 
Ohio,  and  brought  the  little  girl  back  with  her  to 
her  brother's  home.  On  Mr.  Dunn's  return  he 
found  his  little  Cedelia  improving  rapidly  under 
her  care  and  tutorage,  and  devoted  to  **  Mama 
Cyrena."  During  the  summer  Ransom  had  also 
been  with  her,  and  whether  fishing  in  the  creek 
or  giving  temperance  lectures  to  the  assembled 
children  of  the  neighborhood,  the  active,  nervous 
lad  had  learned  to  respect  the  kind  authority  of 
this  motherly  young  woman.  Wayland  had  been 
much  at  the  home  of  one  of  the  members  of  the 
Great  Falls  church,  Mr.  Farnham,  but  his  occa- 
sional visits  to  Alfred  had  renewed  the  acquaint- 
ance with  his  former  friend  and  his  mother's 
friend  in  the  Great  Falls  home.  And  so  it  was 
again  a  happy  home  that  the  pastor  now  had  in 
Boston.  Mrs.  Dunn  entered  upon  this  new  life 
and  work  with  some  trepidation,  but  much  faith 
in  her  husband  and  trust  in  God,  saying,  "  I  will 
do  the  best  I  can  and  leave  the  event  with 
God,"  a  spirit  which  actuated  them  both  through 
life. 

91 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

He  thus  tells  the  story  of  his  first  work  in 
Boston  :  **  By  advertising  in  papers  and  putting 
forth  much  personal  effort,  fifty-one  people  scat- 
tered over  old  Boylston  Hall  listened  to  my  first 
sermon.  After  visiting  every  available  hall  in 
the  city  a  better  place  was  secured,  and  soon 
filled  with  four  hundred  and  eighty  hearers.  The 
revival  interest  increased  with  the  congregation, 
cases  of  conviction  and  conversion  occurred  every 
week  for  two  months,  between  twenty  and  thirty 
were  added  to  the  church  within  a  few  days.  In 
the  spring  of  1850  the  Bennett  Street  church  was 
purchased  and  held  subject  to  a  mortgage  of  only 
six  thousand  dollars."  The  salary  of  the  pastor 
was  six  hundred  dollars.  It  was  fortunate  that 
Mrs.  Dunn  was  blessed  with  what  Mrs.  Stowe 
called  "  New  England  faculty,"  so  that  her  econ- 
omy and  industry  were  able  to  make  this  sum 
support  the  family  ;  and  that  his  ability  was  such 
as  to  win  him  a  place  without  the  influence  of 
wealth. 

The  active  life  of  this  city  pastor  was  a  marvel, 
but  he  was  able  to  accomplish  much  by  system 
and  energy.  His  forenoons  were  given  to  study, 
the  afternoons  to  calling  on  the  scattered  congre- 

92 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

gation  and  new  members.  Mrs.  Dunn  accom- 
panied him  often  in  these  pastoral  visits.  His 
evenings  were  devoted  to  the  church  meetings 
and  personal  conversation  with  converts.  *  He 
found  time  for  much  assistance  to  other  pastors, 
churches,  and  institutions  ;  for  among  his  letters 
are  notes  of  thanks  for  books  purchased  for  Rev. 
O.  B.  Cheney,  for  himself  and  for  the  academy 
in  which  he  was  interested  ;  for  like  favors  for 
Rev.  E.  B.  Fairfield  and  the  new  school  at  Spring 
Arbor,  Mich.  ;  and  for  Rev.  E.  H.  Higbee  and 
other  friends  in  Ohio.  Requests  came  to  look 
after  young  men  coming  to  the  city  for  work  ;  to 
assist  in  procuring  furniture  for  churches  ;  advice 
was  asked  in  regard  to  ministers.  He  arranged 
for  one  or  two  hundred  delegates  coming  through 
Boston  to  the  General  Conference  at  Providence 
in  the  fall  of  1850  ;  made  plans  for  the  sailing  of 
Rev.  R.  Cooley  and  wife,  and  Miss  Crawford  to 
India  from  Boston  that  season,  and  procured 
things  desired  by  Dr.  O.  R.  Bacheler  that  she 
might  take  to  him.  Rev.  Nathan  Woodworth 
wrote  from  Illinois  at  this  time  asking  advice  of 
"  Bishop  Dunn  "  in  regard  to  work  in  that  State 
—  a  title  not  inappropriate,  perhaps,  considering 

93 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held.  He  received 
an  urgent  letter  from  the  church  at  Providence  to 
become  its  pastor,  but  his  heart  was  in  the  work 
at  Boston.  The  Christian  Observer  and  other 
papers  had  occasionally  articles  from  his  pen 
which  were  gladly  read  by  friends  at  a  distance, 
whose  oft-repeated  remark  was,  as  Mr.  Rice  said, 
"  Oh,  that  1  could  hear    Brother    Dunn    preach 


agam  ! 


I  " 


Among  his  enthusiastic  parishioners  in  Boston 
was  Azael  Lovejoy,  who  was  afterward  ordained 
and  became  a  pastor  at  Unity,  Me.,  where  he 
baptized  George  C.  Chase,  now  president  of 
Bates  College,  who  says  that  ''  The  inspiration 
imparted  by  Ranson  Dunn  was  a  living  force  in 
the  ministry  of  Mr.  Lovejoy,  who  always  spoke 
of  him  with  deep  emotion."  Mr.  Dunn  was  not 
hidden  by  his  multiplied  labors  for  his  own 
church  and  favors  for  his  friends,  but  his  ability 
was  recognized  by  others,  for  at  the  Free  Soil 
District  Convention  in  1850  he  was  nominated 
for  representative. 

But  in  the  midst  of  this  encouraging  work  "  a 
calamity  made  an  end  of  plans  and  almost  of  the 
planner.     The  weary  pastor  was  returning  in  a 

94: 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

cab  from  a  baptism.  A  careless  flirt  of  a  driver's 
whip  broke  Mr.  Dunn's  spectacles,  and  drove 
many  fragments  of  glass  into  his  eye.  Inflamma- 
tion set  in,  the  sight  was  endangered.  It  was  a 
desperate  fight  for  the  best  oculists  and  phy- 
sicians Boston  afforded.  The  sight  was  saved, 
but  the  spare  diet,  the  repeated  cupping  and 
leeching  had  weakened  the  body  far  beyond  what 
was  realized.  The  indomitable  will  was  left,  and 
the  accumulated  work  of  three  months  was 
crowded  into  thirty  days.  The  undermined  cita- 
del of  nervous  strength  tottered  and  fell.  The 
twenty  pounds  of  flesh  lost  was  never  regained, 
and  the  shock  to  the  system  he  never  fully  out- 
grew." 

During  his  two  years'  pastorate  he  had  been 
an  interested  spectator  at  surgical  operations  in 
Massachusetts  General  Hospital,  and  an  attend- 
ant on  the  lectures  on  anatomy  and  physiology 
by  Oliver  Wendell  Homes,  Dr.  Reynolds,  and 
others  at  Harvard  University.  By  his  study  of 
natural  theology  for  more  than  ten  years,  includ- 
ing the  works  of  Paley  and  Godwin,  and  their 
discussion  of  the  manifestation  of  intention  and 
design  in  the  human  system,  he  had  acquired  a 

95 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

taste  for   this   scientific  study.      Now  when  his 

health  failed  he  secured  a  manikin,  a  skeleton, 

and   some   charts   for  illustrating    lectures   upon 

these  subjects,  and  prepared  a  series  of  popular 

talks,  hoping  thus   to   support   his  family  for  a 

time,  as  he  could  not  preach  nor  live  in  the  city. 

It  was  a  sad  time  for  him  and  for  the  friends  of 

the  church.     They  surprised  him  with  a  call  one 

evening,  leaving  a  purse  of  eighty  dollars   as  a 

token  of  their  esteem  and  sympathy.     He  wrote 

in  February,  185 1  :   *Mt  was  trying  to  enter  the 

ministry,  but  quite  as  much  so  to  leave  it.      But 

when  six  of  the   best  physicians  of  Boston  say 

that  the  brain  has  been  taxed  to  excess,  and  rest 

is  the  only  remedy,  and   that  it  will   be  a  long 

time  before  the  difficulty  can  be  removed,  and 

my  consciousness  sustains  their  decision,  I  must 

act  upon  it.     For  more  than  five  years  I  have  not 

been   free  from    unusual    causes  of   anxiety  and 

occasions  for  extra  exertions.     When  I  went  to 

Great  Falls  it  was  a  question  whether  that  im- 

1  portant  church  should  live  or  die.     For  months  I 

struggled,   wept,   and    prayed,   day   and    night. 

The  clouds  broke.     A  great  revival  commenced, 

and  for  one  hundred  and  five  evenings  our  meet- 

96 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

ing-house  was  open  every  evening,  and  from" 
January  15th  to  May  15th  I  was  out  of  meetings 
but  two  evenings.  Pecuniary  embarrassments 
of  the  church  occasioned  anxiety,  then  sickness 
in  the  family,  and  watching  the  decline  of  my 
dear  wife  ;  casting  a  gloom  upon  my  heart  and 
shattered  nervous  system.  I  then  found  myself 
in  Boston,  with  not  fifty  seats  taken  in  the  hall. 
After  much  study  and  prayer  we  succeeded  in 
securing  a  commodious  house  of  worship  last 
July.  But  the  effort  had  been  too  much.  I  had 
a  strange  dizziness  in  the  head,  a  peculiar  sensa- 
tion about  the  heart,  a  general  prostration.  I 
struggled  on  until  October,  and  after  rest  tried 
again,  only  to  give  up.  I  am  too  young  a  man  to 
believe  myself  actually  worn  out,  and  yet  the 
prospect  is  dark.  But  all  is  in  the  hands  of  God. 
For  the  present  I  am  a  rambling,  itinerant  lec- 
turer. I  have  no  capital  to  enter  business  even  if 
I  could  endure  the  care,  I  have  no  trade  even  if  I 
had  the  strength,  I  could  not  labor  on  the  farm. 
The  flowerjand  vigor  of  my  life  have  been  spent 
in  the  ministry  and  without  accumulating  any- 
thing. I  must  now  have  some  honorable,  honest 
work  for  a  time,  that  I  can  endure.  If  any  blame 
97 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

me  it  is  because  they  do  not  understand,  but  God 
knows  my  heart.  When  I  am  gone  my  children 
may  read  this  and  know  how  much  I  loved  them 
and  how  I  loved  the  ministry  of  Jesus  Christ." 

He  started  on  his  travels,  like  Abraham,  "  not 
knowing  whither  he  went,"  but  with  faith  in 
God  for  direction.  They  moved  toward  Vermont, 
stopping  at  small  towns  on  the  way.  At  each 
place  he  would  secure  a  hall,  Mrs.  Dunn  would 
see  that  it  was  in  order,  the  boys  would  dis- 
tribute small  handbills.  Usually  after  the  first 
lecture  more  would  be  requested  and  he  spoke  to 
full  houses,  and  so  board  bills  were  paid,  and  the 
change  proved  slightly  beneficial.  A  short  visit 
was  made  at  the  home  of  his  brother  in  Fairfax, 
and  with  other  relatives  near.  At  their  urgent 
request  he  tried  to  preach  one  day,  and  his 
journal  says  :  "  This  one  sermon  exhausted  me 
more  than  a  week  of  lecturing.  In  a  lecture  I 
I  can  be  easy  and  cheerful,  but  as  soon  as  I  begin 
!  to  preach  my  feelings  become  deeply  impressed 
and  the  nerves  feel  the  excitement.  Even  ear- 
nest praying  and  careful  religious  thinking  affect 
me.  What  shall  I  do.?  The  Lord  have  mercy  on 
me  and  mine." 

98 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

The  decision  was  made  to  go  West  in  the 
spring  of  185 1,  and  they  started  early  in  April, 
taking  the  Lake  steamer  at  Ogdensburg,  stop- 
ping at  the  Falls,  and  again  taking  steamer  at 
Ogdensburg,  stopping  at  the  Falls  and  again 
taking  steamer  at  Buffalo,  where  they  had  a 
rough  passage  on  Lake  Erie  across  to  Conneaut. 
Nearly  fifteen  years  ago  he  had  first  landed  here, 
an  unknown  lad,  and  went  to  hoeing  potatoes  and 
corn  because  people  thought  him  too  young  to 
preach ;  now  he  came  to  rest,  having  done  as 
much  as  many  ministers  in  a  lifetime.  He  was 
cordially  greeted  in  the  churches  he  had  organ- 
ized, but  he  traveled  on  farther  West  and  in  May 
reached  Wisconsin,  where  he  intended  to  invest 
in  government  land.  A  niece  had  accompanied 
him  from  Vermont,  and  in  her  care  he  left  the 
children  twenty-five  miles  west  of  Racine,  while 
he  and  his  wife  traveled  with  horse  and  carriage 
over  Southern  Wisconsin,  going  as  far  north  as 
Lake  Winnebago  and  west  to  the  Mississippi, 
gaining  health  and  strength,  and  seeking  a  home. 
He  purchased  land  in  Lafayette  county  in  the 
town  of  Wayne,  about  thirty  miles  east  of 
Galena,  ''hoping  that  his  growing  boys  might 
99 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

find  a  future  where  their  father  had  been  com- 
pelled to  bury  himself  and  his  hopes  in  ob- 
scurity." He  wrote  in  August,  185 1,  to  the 
Star:  ''When  last  I  wrote  you  from  Boston  \ 
little  thought  my  address  would  so  soon  be  within 
thirty  miles  of  the  Father  of  Waters.  It  is  now 
nearly  a  year  since  my  health  failed,  and  six 
months  since  I  left  that  field  for  which  I  had  suf- 
fered more  anxiety  perhaps  than  any  other  in 
my  life.  It  was  a  painful  separation.  The 
character  and  kindness  of  the  members,  their 
punctuality  in  pecuniary  matters,  and  the  re- 
sponsibility of  their  position  and  magnitude  of 
the  work  could  but  excite  a  pastor's  feelings  to 
the  utmost.  I  felt  that  any  burden  was  a  pleas- 
ure, and  if  one  man's  life  was  requisite  to  success 
it  was  not  too  great  a  sacrifice.  But  it  was  too 
much  for  me  and  I  w^as  obliged  to  come  West, 
and  after  a  general  survey  of  the  country  have 
settled  here  where  the  outlook  is  pleasant  and 
good  land  can  be  bought  for  one  dollar  and 
twenty-five  cents  an  acre,  and  farms  with  some 
improvement  for  three  dollars  to  ten  dollars. 
I  have  tried  to  preach  recently,  but  only  once 
a  week,  but  have  visited  almost  every  part  of 
100 


THE  FIRST  GREAT  SORROW 

the  State  and  preached  in  nine  different  places 
in  as  many  different  counties."  Not  only  in 
Wisconsin  but  in  the  neighboring  States  of  Ohio, 
Illinois,  and  Iowa  he  labored,  and  assisted  Rev. 
N.  W.  Bixby  in  organizing  the  Iowa  Yearly 
Meeting. 

Tired  of  traveling,  they  appreciated  their  home, 
though  it  was  not  a  very  commodious  house, 
for  the  country  was  new  and  the  settlers  obliged 
to  build  hastily  and  live  simply.  But  they  en- 
joyed the  novelty  of  it  all,  and  had  some  good 
neighbors,  though  far  apart.  Among  the  neigh- 
bors were  the  Eastman  family,  who  lived  in  Ash- 
tabula county,  Ohio,  when  Mr.  Dunn  preached 
there.  They  opened  their  home  to  him  until  his 
own  was  ready  for  occupancy.  Another  old 
friend  in  the  vicinity  was  Mr.  Bridgman,  who, 
with  his  wife,  was  among  the  converts  of  the 
great  revival  in  Cherry  Valley,  and  who  still 
lives  and  ''cherishes  the  friendship  of  Elder 
Dunn,  extending  over  more  than  sixty  years, 
among  the  most  cherished  memories  of  his  life." 
His  son  Charles  became  a  student  in  Hillsdale 
College,  went  to  the  Civil  War,  and  is  now  a 
leading   man   in   the   Legislature   of    Wisconsin. 

101 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

His  last  memory  of  the  boy  Wayland  Dunn  that 
he  knew  in  Wisconsin  and  Hillsdale  is  on  the 
field  of  Chattanooga.  Mr.  Dunn  made  several 
lecturing  tours  in  the  fall.  In  October  Mrs-. 
Dunn's  first  child  was  born,  Cyrena  Amanda. 
Like  other  settlers  on  the  frontier,  he  was  poor 
and  living  in  a  house  which  was  hardly  adequate 
for  the  blasts  that  swept  across  the  prairie  in 
that  exceptionally  cold  winter.  His  lectures  and 
meetings  kept  him  away  from  home  much  of  the 
time,  the  little  girl  was  frail,  the  mother  lonely, 
and  the  boys  restless.  A  call  unexpectedly  came 
to  a  new  field  of  labor ;  they  prayed  over  it ;  the 
wife  said  **Go" — and  it  became  his  life  work. 


102 


VI 


MICHIGAN     CENTRAL     COLLEGE  —  AGENCY     FOR 
HILLSDALE  — HOME    MISSIONARY   WORK 

At  the  session  of  the  Michigan  Yearly  Meeting 
in  June,  1844,  the  question  of  higher  education 
in  Christian  surroundings  was  agitated,  and  it 
was  decided  to  establish  a  seminary  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  The  school  site 
was  fixed  at  Spring  Arbor,  and  Cyrus  Coltrin 
made  financial  agent.  In  December,  D.  M. 
Graham,  a  graduate  of  Oberlin  College,  began 
teaching  here.  He  found  ''near  the  old  Indian 
burying-ground,  in  a  lovely  spot,  an  old  building 
and  a  half-dozen  students."  The  term  closed  in 
July,  with  twenty-five  students,  and  the  teachers 
spent  the  vacation  trying  to  secure  funds  for  ap- 
paratus. In  the  following  winter  the  old  store 
used  at  first  was  vacated  for  the  new  college 
building,  which  was  occupied  by  seventy  stu- 
dents, and  the  second  building  erected  and  forty 

103 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

acres  of  land  secured.  Elias  Hutchins  com- 
mended the  school  because  it  was  composed  of 
"males  and  females,  and  colored  people  were 
allowed  to  come,  and  there  was  privilege  of  labor 
for  those  who  wished  to  so  lighten  expense,"  and 
he  said  most  truly:  '*  This  school  is  the  off- 
spring of  self-denial  and  benevolence ;  there  are 
less  than  one  thousand  Free  Baptists  in  Michigan, 
and  many  of  them  are  in  debt  for  their  own  land 
or  in  need  of  better  buildings.  Brother  Graham 
Tnight  have  gone  into  a  position  for  one  thousand 
dollars  a  year,  but  has  received  only  five  hundred 
dollars  and  endured  great  care  and  anxiety. 
Brother  J.  L.  Thompson  and  others  have  also 
assumed  great  responsibilities.  One  poor  minis- 
ter gave  four  hundred  dollars.  Young  men  work- 
ing by  the  month  give  fifty  to  seventy-five  dol- 
lars a  year."  Mr.  Graham  called  on  New  Eng- 
land pastors  for  assistance,  and  no  doubt  gained 
encouragement  from  the  young  pastor,  Ransom 
Dunn,  at  Great  Falls,  who  was  giving  gener- 
ously to  all  benevolent  enterprises,  and  neither 
knew  that  their  positions  were  later  to  be  re- 
versed, Mr.  Graham  to  follow  Mr.  Dunn  in  work 
in  New  York  City,  and  Mr.   Dunn  to  undertake 

104 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

the  labor  of  raising  an  endowment  for  the  Michi- 
gan college.  The  anniversary  exercises  in  June, 
1848,  were  held  in  a  grove  of  oaks,  and  the  State 
Examiner  listened  to  twelve  young  ladies  in  the 
morning  and  nineteen  young  men  in  the  after- 
noon, who  **  showed  originality  of  thought  and 
manliness  of  bearing  found  only  in  institutions  of 
the  West."  He  also  inspected  fifteen  classes  in 
mathematics,  Latin  and  Greek,  and  English 
branches.  One  hundred  and  twenty-six  students 
had  attended  during  the  year. 

In  October,  1848,  Edmund  B.  Fairfield  came 
from  Oberlin  College  to  teach,  and  found  a  prom- 
ising school  and  a  library  of  one  thousand  five 
hundred  volumes.  It  had  been  the  policy  of  the 
State  to  grant  no  charter  with  college  privileges 
except  to  the  State  University.  But  that  winter 
the  effort  for  a  charter  to  confer  degrees  at  Mich- 
igan Central  College  was  successful.  So  185 1 
found  this  first  college  of  Michigan,  and  the  first 
to  open  its  doors  to  black  men  and  to  women, 
ready  for  larger  work.  With  the  university  fifty 
miles  southeast  and  an  Episcopal  school  seventy 
miles  northwest,  the  only  ones  with  college  char- 
ter, there  seemed  a  field  for  it.     One  young  lady 

105 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

had  graduated  from  the  female  department,  Miss 
Elizabeth  D.  Camp  of  Palmyra,  N.  Y.  The 
tuition  was  only  six  dollars  a  term,  and  board 
one  dollar  a  week.  During  the  year  more  ap- 
plied for  entrance  than  could  be  accommodated. 

Money  was  needed  for  teachers,  for  buildings 
and  equipment.  The  thoughts  of  those  inter- 
ested turned  to  Ransom  Dunn.  He  was  West 
with  improved  health.  He  had  the  ability  and 
the  confidence  of  the  people.  Might  he  not  raise 
the  money?  He  had  never  seen  the  college,  he 
was  not  familiar  with  that  section  of  Michigan, 
but  when  the  call  came  he  decided  to  go  to  Spring 
Arbor.  A  sixty  miles'  drive  was  necessary  to 
reach  the  railroad.  He  took  his  wife  and  baby  in 
his  buggy,  a  man  followed  with  the  older  children 
and  the  goods.  Through  snow  and  intense  cold 
they  drove  on  past  Chicago — there  was  no  rail- 
road there  yet,  it  was  only  a  small  town — to 
Michigan  City.  Here  the  wife  and  girls  took  the 
train,  while  he  drove  on  to  Spring  Arbor  with  the 
boys. 

He  found  that  a  new  and  unexpected  honor 
awaited  him  :  he  had  just  been  elected  professor 
of  mental  and  moral  philosophy  in  the  college. 

106 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

At  first  he  was  disposed  to  decline  ;  he  had  given 
his  life  to  the  sacred  calling  and  considered  other 
services  only  temporary  interruptions.  But  Mr. 
Fairfield  urged  that  his  **  election  had  put  new 
courage  into  the  enterprise  and  not  to  accept 
would  discourage  all  helpers."  So  he  consented 
to  take  the  place  for  a  year.  And  thus  began  in 
January,  1852,  the  work  for  the  Free  Baptist  col- 
lege of  Michigan  that  was  to  close  only  with  his 
life.  The  first  classes  which  he  taught  were 
those  of  the  senior  class,  mental  and  moral  phil- 
osophy and  political  economy.  But  Prof.  Fair- 
field leaving  spon  to  begin  canvassing,  he  was 
obliged  to  take  logic  and  rhetoric  and  natural 
philosophy,  and  others  during  the  year,  thus 
teaching  five  classes  daily,  and  thirteen  different 
studies.  He  also  corrected  essays  of  the  students 
and  heard  their  declamations.  Some  of  the 
criticisms  are  characteristic.  On  one  long  article 
he  wrote,  "Life  is  short";  on  another,  "Too 
much  *r";  one  student  was  advised  to  put 
"some  point"  to  it;  one  speaker  was  "too  soft 
and  winning";  another  "too  plaintive  and 
high";  one  "too  even";  another  "  too  stiff "  ; 
and  with  all,  the  effort  to  give  more  expression, 

107 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

but  to  be  natural,  was  urged.  In  addition  to  the 
classroom  work  he  settled  the  accounts  of  the 
students.  At  first  the  family  boarded  with  Mrs. 
L.  B.  Potter,  but  it  soon  became  necessary  for 
Mrs.  Dunn  to  take  charge  of  the  boarding  hall, 
which  then  had  twenty  boarders.  Though  busy 
in  this  new  work  of  running  a  school,  the  old 
work,  ever  dear  to  his  heart,  was  not  entirely 
omitted,  for  he  not  only  preached  but  held  some 
revival  meetings.  Mr.  Ball,  working  hard  in  the 
new  church  at  Buffalo,  called  himself  ''the  im- 
portunate widow  "  as  he  urged  the  oft-repeated 
request  for  the  assistance  of  Elder  Dunn  in  this 
i  i direction.  Others  had  been  in  the  city,  but  they 
J  I  could  not  bring  people  to  decision  ;  they  "  lacked 
[the  melting  spirit." 

Rev.  I.  D.  Stewart  visited  the  school  in  June 
while  on  a  trip  West  for  health,  and  thus  wrote 
of  it:  "  Everything  is  on  a  small  scale  com- 
pared with  the  patronage  the  institution  receives. 
Recitation  rooms  are  small,  laboratory  in  a  little 
room,  cabinet  and  apparatus  in  any  corner,  but 
the  institution  stands  well  at  home  and  abroad. 
I  had  my  fears  lest  the  college  would  prove  a 
failure,  but  having  been  here,  I  can  now  frankly 

108 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

say,  to  use  a  Western  phrase,  *  the  thing  will 
go.'  The  well-known  energy  and  popularity  of 
Brothers  Fairfield  and  Dunn  peculiarly  fit  them 
for  securing  the  confidence  and  sympathy  of  the 
people."  That  the  school  did  good  work  while 
at  Spring  Arbor,  and  that  the  teachers  were  ap- 
preciated can  not  be  questioned.  One  of  the 
students,  Mrs.  E.  A.  Clark,  nee  Sandford,  wrote 
to  Professor  Dunn  from  Pennsylvania  in  1898: 
"You  were  an  inspiration  to  my  youth  while  at 
the  college  at  Spring  Arbor,  and  an  encourage- 
ment and  help  to  me  in  my  labors  at  Hillsdale, 
for  which  you  will  ever  continue  to  live  in  my 
grateful  remembrance."  Prof.  B.  W.  Aldrich  of 
Moore's  Hill  College,  Indiana,  writes  that  when 
his  father  lived  at  Concord,  near  Spring  Arbor, 
crowds  used  to  flock  from  miles  around  to  hear 
the  eloquent  Professor  Dunn  preach.  His  mother 
was  one  of  the  first  graduates  at  Hillsdale,  in 
1856,  but  had  studied  at  Spring  Arbor,  and  his 
"earliest  recollections  include  the  name  of  Pro- 
fessor Dunn  as  she  and  Mrs.  Mahoney  talked 
over  those  early  days."  The  other  member  of 
this  first  class  was  Mrs.  Eliza  Scott  Potter,  wha 
said  to  Professor   Dunn,   "The  sun  never  sets 

109 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

upon  those  whose  minds  and  characters  you  have 
aided  to  mold  and  ennoble."  Among  the  students 
at  Spring  Arbor  were  Professor  Lewis  McClouth, 
professor  of  natural  science  for  many  years  in 
Ypsilanti  Normal  School  and  a  leading  educator  in 
the  State ;  Professor  Day,  superintendent  of 
schools  of  Cleveland  for  so  long  ;  the  Rev.  Dr. 
William  H.  Perrine  and  his  wife.  Dr.  Perrine's 
wife,  Livonia  E.  Benedict,  was  the  first  woman 
to  receive  a  classical  degree  in  Michigan. 

Professor  Dunn  was  convinced  soon  after  his 
arrival  at  Spring  Arbor  that  such  an  enterprise 
could  not  succeed  in  that  location,  and  during  the 
year  held  many  earnest  conversations  with  the 
other  teachers  in  regard  to  it.  He  felt  that  in 
that  small  town,  away  from  railroads,  without 
people  of  means  to  support  the jnstitution,  it  was 
useless  to  attempt  to  build  up  such  a  college  as 
was  desired.  Already  the  school  had  outgrown 
its  accommodations  and  the  demand  for  a  third 
building  was  pressing,  but  when  the  needs  were 
placed  before  the  community  by  Professor  Dunn 
and  Professor  Fairfield,  it  failed  to  respond.  At 
the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  Jan. 
5,  1853,  a  committee' was  appointed  to  confer 
no 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

with  citizens  of  Jackson,  Coldwater,  Adrian,  and 
other  places.  Delayed  by  a  snow-storm  on  their 
way  to  Coldwater,  Professor  Dunn  suggested 
looking  at  Hillsdale.  Alone  through  snow  and 
wind  he  drove  to  the  future  home  of  the  college, 
and  being  directed  to  Dr.  Cressy  as  a  man  inter- 
ested in  educational  matters,  called  upon  him, 
and  he  arranged  for  a  conference  with  a  few 
leading  citizens  who  might  be  interested.  When 
he  came  to  the  office  as  arranged  in  the  evening, 
he  found  twenty  men  gathered,  judges,  bankers, 
professional  and  business  men.  One  of  these 
gentlemen,  Hon.  C.  C.  Mitchell,  thus  referred  to 
this  occason  :  "I  recollect  well  the  first  meeting 
in  the  office  of  the  late  Judge  Wilson,  when  the 
leading  business  men  were  present  and  you  so 
satisfactorily  presented  the  subject  as  to  satisfy 
us  all  with  the  feasibility  of  the  project  and  we 
raised  the  required  amount,  though  the  town  was 
poor  at  the  time.  I  have  always  regarded  you  as 
the  principal  founder  of  Hillsdale  College  and  its 
most  steadfast  friend,  and  as  having  raised  more 
money  than  any  one  else  for  its  endowment. 
And  while  I  was  a  trustee  your  influence  was 
always  for  the  safe  management  of  its  finances." 
Ill 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

The  proposition  that  the  locality  put  up  the 
buildings  and  the  denomination  raise  the  endow- 
ment was  favorably  considered.  A  committee, 
consisting  of  Dr.  Underwood,  Messrs.  Pratt  and 
Dickinson,  was  appointed  to  show  Professor  Dunn 
sites  that  would  be  suitable.  The  last  location 
was  reached  by  crossing  a  swamp,  and  was  an 
open  pasture  fenced  off  from  the  road  by  a  rail 
fence.  But  as  he  walked  over  this  hill,  where  a 
few  years  ago  the  deer  had  roamed  through  the 
forest,  he  saw  in  imagination  a  group  of  college 
buildings  overlooking  the  pleasant  town,  and 
stepped  on  a  large  stump  and  said,  '*  If  ever  we 
have  a  Free  Baptist  college  in  the  West  it  will  be 
within  twenty  rods  of  this  spot."  When  the 
committee  reported  to  the  trustees,  Jan.  19,  1853, 
Coldwater  was  recommended,  but  Professor  Dunn 
felt  sure  that  Hillsdale  would  raise  more  funds, 
and  felt  that  it  was  the  more  desirable  place. 
The  citizens  of  Spring  Arbor  had  now  aroused  to 
see  what  they  were  about  to  lose.  But  even 
L.  B.  Potter,  who  had  been  perhaps  the  one 
chiefly  instrumental  in  securing  the  school  for 
Spring  Arbor,  and  who,  with  Daniel  Dunakin 
and  others,  had  worked  hard  on  the  buildings, 
112 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

now  favored  removal.  In  less  than  a  month  it 
was  decided  that  Hillsdale  was  to  be  the  future 
seat  of  the  college.  In  recent  years  Judge  Pratt, 
in  whose  office  some  of  the  meetings  were  held 
at  the  time  of  the  removal,  wrote  to  Professor 
Dunn  :  "This  town  and  community  are  greatly 
indebted  to  you  for  your  great  labor  in  establish- 
ing and  building  Hillsdale  College.  You  now 
enjoy  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  college  estab- 
lished on  a  firm  foundation,  and  a  great  blessing 
to  the  rising  generation.  My  esteem  for  you  has 
greatly  increased  with  the  passing  years."  Fif- 
teen thousand  dollars  was  pledged  in  Hillsdale 
if  fifteen  thousand  more  would  be  put  with  it. 
Finally  it  was  made  twenty  thousand  dollars  in 
Hillsdale  county  and  seventeen  thousand  dollars 
elsewhere.  Twenty-five  acres  of  land  were 
given  for  a  campus.  Hillsdale  was  then  a  vil- 
lage  of  about  two  thousand  people. 

While  the  buildings  were  being  erected  it  was 
proposed  to  raise  the  endowment,  if  possible. 
One  man  was  to  canvass  New  England  and  New 
York,  another  to  take  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Michi- 
gan. Professor  Dunn  was  asked  to  bring  ten 
thousand  dollars  from  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Iowa, 

113 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 


and  Minnesota.  This 
country  was  new,  al- 
most without  railroads 
and  quite  destitute  of 
bridges  and  highways. 
The  members  of  the 
churches  were  f  e  w, 
scattered,  and  poor, 
and  not  one  of  them 
within  two  hundred 
miles  of  Hillsdale.  In 
referring  to  this  ap- 
'■'  My  early  purpose  not  to  re- 
fuse any  work  for  the  Master  properly  assigned 
me  by  the  denomination  was  the  only  reason  why 
I  was  in  the  college  at  all,  and  was  reason  enough 
for  attempting  the  severe  and  discouraging  work 
now  demanded.  It  had  seemed  to  me  worse  than 
death  to  commence  preaching,  but  to  undertake 
this  agency  seemed  still  worse.  But  after  weep- 
ing the  first  ten  miles  the  work  was  prosecuted 
with  what  energy  1  could  command."  President 
Mosher  says,  ''That  was  real  heroism."  During 
the  summer  another  little  girl,  Abbie,  had  come  to 
their  home,  and  in  the  fall  of  1853  the  family 

114 


Professor  Ransom  Dunn.     1855. 


pointment  he  said: 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

again  pitched  their  tent  on  the  Western  plains. 
Wayland  and  CedeHa,  with  their  cousin  Marilla, 
drove  to  Elgin  with  horse  and  buggy,  where  the 
rest  of  the  family,  who  had  gone  by  rail,  were 
waiting  to  complete  the  journey  by  stage.  He 
felt  a  long  campaign  was  before  him  to  secure  from 
the  scattered  Free  Baptists  west  of  Lake  Michigan 
the  desired  amount,  and  the  home  must  be  where 
he  could  be  with  the  dear  ones  as  often  as  possible. 
His  wife  said  she  would  take  care  of  the  home 
and  family  for  two  years  for  him  to  raise  ten 
thousand  dollars,  which  would  certainly  be  his 
share.  He  remained  the  two  years,  but  raised 
over  twenty  thousand  dollars.  "  This  was  with- 
out doubt,  "one  writer  says,  "a.  larger  sum  in 
proportion  to  membership  of  churches  than  was 
ever  raised  in  the  Free  Baptist  denomination  for 
similar  purposes  in  the  same  length  of  time,  and 
we  doubt  if  it  can  be  paralleled  in  any  other." 
It  may  be  in  place  here  to  mention  that  this  was 
far  from  completing  his  work  for  the  endowment 
of  Hillsdale  College.  For  in  later  years,  as  we 
shall  see  from  letters  and  college  records,  he 
secured  seventy-four  thousand  dollars  in  special 
endowments,   five   thousand   nine   hundred   dol- 

115 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

lars    in  notes,   and  one  thousand  nine   hundred 
dollars  in  cash,  making  in  all  over  one  hundred 
and    four    thousand    dollars    that    he    added   to 
the    endowment    fund   of    the   college.     And    it 
was   largely   through   his    influence    and   assist- 
ance that  other  agents  were   put  into  the  field, 
who  also  did   noble   work,  such   as  Rev.  D.  L. 
Rice,    Prof.    S.    J.    Fowler,    Rev.    G.    H.    Ball, 
and  others   whose  letters  through  a  long  period 
of   years  show  their   continued  personal   regard 
for   him  and   dependence   on   his   advice.     This 
Western  agency  of  Mr.  Dunn  at  this  early  day 
was  remarkable,  for  when  we  remember  the  con- 
dition of  the  country  at  that  time  we  can  imagine 
what  wearisome  labor  this  sum    of   twenty-two 
thousand  dollars  represented,   and  what  faith  it 
took  to  accomplish  the  result.     The  largest  single 
gift  was  two  hundred  dollars,  most  of  the  pledges 
were    one    hundred    dollars,    fifty    dollars,    and 
twenty-five  dollars.     Thus  we  can  see  what  the 
personal  effort  meant  to  this  devoted  man.     His 
self-sacrifice  inspired  others,  and  from  log  houses, 
from  'Mean-to  shanties,"  from  houses  destitute 
of  luxuries  and  sometimes   what  we  would  call 
necessities,  came  the  first  endowment  of   Hills- 

116 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

dale  College.  Rev.  D.  M.  Graham  once  said, 
'*To  write  an  epic  poem  is  nothing,  but  to  live 
one  every  day,  that  is  serious  business."  But 
this  was  what  this  college  agent  in  the  West  was 
doing  in  these  years,  living  a  noble,  heroic  life 
against  great  odds,  putting  self  and  ease  aside 
for  the  sake  of  others  and  the  future  of  Christ's 
cause.  Though  he  did  not  realize  it  himself  he 
was,  as  Dr.  Ball  says,  doing  "the  greatest  work 
of  his  life  in  establishing  and  endowing  Hillsdale 
College." 

We  must  not  forget  the  sacrifice  of  the  wife  at 
home  during  these  months  of  travel  of  the  hus- 
band. When  the  family  removed  to  Wisconsin 
in  the  fall  of  1853  they  went  to  Fayette,  where 
they  could  have  the  privileges  of  school  and 
church  during  the  winter,  and  lived  in  the  house 
of  Mr.  B.  F.  Buckmaster,  who  still  lives  in  the 
same  house.  He  remembers  ''Elder  Dunn  as  a 
tall  man  with  fair  hair  and  blue  eyes,"  who  in 
all  his  home  life  as  well  as  public  work  was  **a 
model  man."  In  the  spring  the  house  on  the 
farm  at  Wayne  was  completed  and  the  family 
moved  there.  It  was  built  in  octagon  shape,  and 
attracted  considerable  attention,  and  is  still  stand- 

117 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ing.  This  was  the  year  when  cholera  was  preva- 
lent in  the  United  States  and  caused  great 
anxiety  everywhere.  Mrs.  Dunn  shared  this 
anxiety,  added  to  the  usual  anxiety  for  a  hus- 
band with  frail  body  and  constantly  overworked. 
She  had  the  care  of  the  farm,  as  the  boys  were 
only  ten  and  twelve  years  of  age,  and  had  the 
little  girls  to  care  for,  two  of  whom  were  mere 
babies.  Add  to  this  the  loneliness  incident  to  a 
new  country  and  farm  life,  after  living  in  the  city 
of  Boston,  and  having  the  association  of  young 
people  at  the  college  in  Spring  Arbor,  and  we 
may  fancy  it  was  not  an  easy  life  she  was  lead- 
ing. But  we  find  no  word  of  complaint  or  regret, 
but  always  the  utmost  confidence  in  her  hus- 
band's ability  to  bring  to  successful  end  the 
arduous  undertaking  in  which  he  was  engaged, 
and  the  most  cheerful  acquiescence  in  all  plans, 
with  a  trust  in  God  for  present  care  and  future 
guidance.  This  little  extract  from  one  letter  may 
serve  as  a  sample  of  many,  showing  the  spirit 
exemplified:  ''Little  Cyrena  calls  'Pa'  a  great 
many  times  a  day.  It  seems  a  little  hard  to  have 
her  father  gone  so  long  when  she  loves  him  so 
well.     We  hope  to  see  you  soon  again.     I  am 

118 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

praying  that  God's  blessing  may  attend  you  and 
that  life  may  be  spared  and  you  be  permitted  to 
return  in  better  health  than  when  you  left.  Re- 
member me  in  your  prayers,  and  be  assured  that 
you  are  not  forgotten  by  one  who  loves  you  more 
than  life  itself."  Friends  feared  he  was  over- 
working, as  many  letters  of  kindly  interest  show. 
Rev.  S.  F.  Smith  writes:  **Your  life,  council, 
influence,  and  labor  are  greatly  needed.  I  don't 
see  how  they  can  be  dispensed  with.  It  is  a 
matter  of  interest  to  the  denomination  that  your 
life  be  preserved  and  your  health  maintained. 
The  labor  required  of  you  at  the  college  in  Michi- 
gan, and  on  the  field  for  it,  is  too  much.  Go  out 
on  one  of  God's  promises,  and  lie  down.  Go  on 
your  farm  and  take  it  easy.  You  did  not  try  it 
long  enough  before.  You  need  rest."  But  it 
was  not  possible  for  him  to  rest  until  this  en- 
dowment was  assured. 

And  not  only  did  he  secure  funds  but  students 
for  the  college.  The  endowment  was  being 
raised  on  the  scholarship  plan,  each  one  contrib- 
uting one  hundred  dollars  having  a  scholarship 
entitling  him  to  free  tuition  for  one  student. 
Thus  many  were  induced  to  help  the  college,  not 
irj 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

only  for  its  own  sake  and  because  of  denomina- 
tional interest,  but  also  for  the  privilege  of  giving 
their  children  an  education.  And  even  where 
scholarships  were  not  taken  the  interest  he 
aroused  in  the  institution  led  to  the  sending  of 
students.  Letters  from  those  who  met  him  at 
this  time  give  an  idea  of  the  impression  made. 
Hon.  O.  A.  Janes,  United  States  Pension  Agent 
for  Michigan,  wrote  thus:  ''I  well  remember 
you,  when  I  was  a  boy,  at  Johnston,  Wis.,  plead- 
ing for  Hillsdale  College  and  preaching  in  the  old 
stone  schoolhouse.  I  then  made  up  my  mind 
that  I  should  attend  college  at  Hillsdale.  In  later 
years  I  did,  and  remember  you  as  one  of  the 
most  earnest,  active  teachers.  As  a  member  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees  and  Treasurer  I  knew  of 
your  zeal  in  raising  money  for  the  college,  and 
to  you  more  than  to  any  one  else  is  due  its 
success."  Helen  M.  Cougar,  the  temperance 
lecturer,  says:  **As  long  ago  as  I  can  remember 
anything  I  can  remember  'Prof.  Dunn.'  Your 
visits  in  the  interests  of  the  college,  to  my 
Crandfather  Dresser's,  my  entrance  later  into 
the  college,  your  officiating  services  at  my  wed- 
ding, have  made  you  a  factor  in   my   life.     As 

120 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

memory  sweeps  back  over  all  these  years  the 
impress  of  your  life  is  as  a  stalwart  character  for 
the  higher  humanities  and  Christlikeness." 

As  he  traveled  from  place  to  place  his  voice 
was  heard  not  only  on  college  needs  but  on  other 
topics  of  the  day.  This  was  the  time  when 
antislavery  was  being  discussed  everywhere. 
Judge  Hoke  of  the  American  Consulate  of  Nova 
Scotia  has  a  vivid  recollection  of  Professor  Dunn's 
work  in  this  direction.  He  wrote  to  him  not  long 
ago:  *•  Do  you  remember  that  night  in  1853 
when  you  spoke  at  a  schoolhouse  near  my 
father's  residence  in  Illinois?  I  shall  never  forget 
that  address.  Your  burning  eloquence  and  strong 
language  are  still  vivid  in  my  memory.  No  pho- 
tograph could  retain  more  distinctly  the  scene 
than  my  mind  now  holds  it.  The  benches,  the 
tallow  candles,  the  desk  you  stood  behind,  the 
green  glasses  you  wore,  the  gestures  you  made, 
the  packed  audience  that  leaned  forward  to  catch 
every  word  that  fell  from  your  lips,  are  clearer 
than  any  other  scene  of  my  early  life.  The 
whole  nation  was  then  proslavery.  It  was  very 
unpopular  for  you  to  make  that  speech  at  that 
time  in  Illinois.  Indeed,  I  think  the  whole  anti- 
121 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

slavery  party  was  mostly  composed  of  Freewill 
Baptists,  Quakers,  and  Oberlin  College.  I  was 
attending  school  where  the  faculty,  all  Methodist 
preachers,  denounced  the  agitation  of  the  slavery 
question.  My  father,  who  had  heard  you  before, 
drove  seven  miles  to  the  seminary  and  back  that 
night,  that  I,  a  youth  of  seventeen,  should 
hear  that  speech.  Yours  was  the  grand  pioneer 
declaration  toward  which  the  nation  soon  began 
to  drift.  But  this  was  before  the  days  of  the 
Republican  party,  which  you  prophesied  would 
be  formed,  before  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri 
Compromise  or  the  passage  of  the  Kansas  and 
Nebraska  Bill.  It  is  not  strange  that  when  I 
learned  of  Hillsdale  College  and  that  you  were 
to  be  one  of  the  faculty  I  determined  to  go 
to  this  Christian  and  antislavery  college.  Dur- 
ing the  next  year  I  heard  President  Finney 
of  Oberlin,  and  many  distinguished  reformers 
and  scholars,  as  Horace  Mann,  Charles  Sumner, 
and  Elihu  Burritt,  but  nothing  that  these  men 
said  was  clearer,  stronger,  or  better  expressed 
than  that  speech  at  Oak  Ridge  schoolhouse." 
Thus  was  he  helping  to  prepare  the  field  for 
Abraham  Lincoln  and  his  work. 

122 


MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE 

His  labors  at  this  time  also  included  those  of 
a  home  missionary  in  organizing  churches.  In 
three  places  where  there  were  no  Free  Baptist 
churches  before,  Evansville  and  Waupun  in  Wis- 
consin, and  Warren,  111.,  flourishing  churches" 
were  formed.  At  Racine  he  assisted  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith  for  about  two  months,  and  at  the  close  of 
his  service  wrote:  *'We  have  here  a  comfort- 
able, well-finished  and  furnished  church.  We 
commenced  with  few  hearers,  but  the  house  soon 
became  crowded  and  scores  said  '  Pray  for  me.* 
Our  church  was  started  with  seventy  members. 
There  is  an  excellent  feeling  in  the  community 
toward  religion  and  Free  Baptists."  At  Warren, 
he  met  in  the  ballroom  of  the  old  stone  hotel 
those  who  were  interested  in  the  establishment 
of  a  church  and  suggested  plans  for  building, 
which  were  carried  out.  He  and  his  wife  united 
with  this  church,  planning  to  make  a  home  here 
in  town  for  the  family.  During  eighteen  months 
he  dedicated  five  churches,  the  last  one  being  at 
Mendon,  111.,  in  18155. 

At  the  General  Conference  at  Fairport,  N.  Y., 
in  1853,  his  voice  was  heard  on  antislavery 
and  home  missions  and  for  the  Boston  church, 

123 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

-and  he  showed  his  sincerity  as  usual  by  gifts 
toward  these  causes.  But  when  it  came  to 
education  he  had  a  story  to  tell  of  the  new  col- 
lege in  the  West  that  stirred  the  Conference  to 
unanimously  pass  a  resolution  heartily  favoring 
the  enterprise.  At  the  anniversaries  at  Saco, 
Me.,  in  1854,  a  resolution  was  passed  that  the 
''Free  Baptist  Education  Society  raise  within 
eighteen  months  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  the 
Biblical  School,  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  for 
Hillsdale  College,  and  ten  thousand  dollars  for 
New  Hampton  Institute."  Professor  Whipple 
reported  that  the  faculty  were  ''either  in  the  field 
soliciting  or  at  the  college  superintending  build- 
ing operations.  Professor  Dunn  was  meeting  with 
flattering  success  in  the  West,  Brother  Ball  and 
other  agents  well  received  in  the  East ;  the  ablest 
men  should  go  on  the  field  until  these  institutions 
are  put  on  a  permanent  foundation." 


124 


VII 


HILLSDALE    COLLEGE  —  BOSTON  —  ILLINOIS 
—  THE  CIVIL  WAR  AND  WHAT  IT  COST 

While  these  agents  were  thus  in  the  field  and 
at  denominational  gatherings,  building  was  going 
on  at  Hillsdale.  The  offer  of  Hon.  E.  Blackmar 
of  twenty-five  acres  for  a  campus  had  been 
gratefully  accepted;  and  a  building  committee 
appointed,  consisting  of  E.  B.  Fairfield,  R.  Dunn, 
H.  E.  Whipple,  G.  W.  Underwood,  D.  Beebe, 
and  L.  Russell.  Henry  King  of  Oberlin  was  ap- 
pointed bookkeeper  for  the  college.  Bricks  and 
lumber  were  ready,  ground  was  broken,  "and  on 
the  4th  of  July,  1853,  in  the  presence  of  a  great 
throng,  the  largest  gathering  of  people,  without 
doubt,  that  had  ever  been  convened  in  Hillsdale^ 
the  corner-stone  of  Hillsdale  College  was  laid. 
Henry  Waldron  presided ;  Colonel  Holloway  and 
Dr.  Beebe  were  the  marshals.  President  Fair- 
field made  a  brief  address.  The  prayer  of  con- 
secration  was  offered  by   Professor   Dunn,  whO' 

125 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

had  unusual  liberty  of  spirit  on  this  most  mo- 
mentous occasion.  As  the  widening  history  of 
this  infant  institution  opened  out  before  his  mind 
he  seemed  to  be  lifted  on  a  Pisgah's  top  and  a 
land  of  promise  unrolled  before  him."  Those 
who  heard  it  have  never  forgotten  this  prayer, 
but  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  fifty  years  its  im- 
pression is  still  felt.  One  who  was  there  thinks 
**the  prayer  of  Solomon  at  the  dedication  of  the 
Temple  must  have  been  its  exact  parallel  in 
solemn  earnestness  and  far-reaching,  prophetic 
thought.  It  was  a  landmark  in  my  life  as  it  was 
in  many  others."  On  one  of  the  stumps  near 
the  platform  had  climbed  a  little  boy  who  had 
driven  all  the  way  from  Hudson  with  his  parents 
to  see  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  college  laid, 
and  Zaccheus-like  took  a  position  to  see  all  that 
was  possible.  When  he  saw  that  tall,  pale  man 
with  the  high  forehead  stand  and  talk  to  God  as 
he  had  never  heard  man  talk  before,  his  soul  was 
stirred,  and  then  and  there  was  born  the  desire 
for  education,  the  longing  to  influence  men,  and 
Will  Carleton  went  home  to  begin  the  thinking 
that  made  possible  in  later  years  the  poems  that 
have  touched  so  many  hearts. 

126 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

In  August  the  cellars  were  dug  and  founda- 
tions put  in,  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  feet 
from  east  to  west,  sixty  feet  from  north  to  south. 
Seven  citizens  of  Hillsdale  had  pledged  one  thou- 
sand dollars  each  ;  a  subscription  paper  drawn 
up  by  Judge  Pratt  to  the  order  of  Henry  Wald- 
ron,  Allen  Hammond,  and  C.  W.  Ferris  had  been 
circulated.  Some  legal  difficulties  delayed  the 
work  during  the  year  1854.  Some  of  the  citizens 
of  Spring  Arbor  had  placed  an  injunction  on  the 
trustees  to  prevent  removal  of  the  college,  but 
this  matter  was  settled  in  favor  of  the  Hillsdale 
party.  There  was  also  some  doubt  in  regard  to 
the  charter.  A  new  college  law  was  agitated. 
Dr.  Cressy  in  the  Senate  and  Daniel  Dunakin  in 
the  House  favored  it,  other  schools  in  the  State 
joined  the  movement.  The  bill  was  passed  in 
February,  1855,  and  thus  all  the  State  colleges 
at  that  time  and  since,  secured  the  privilege  of 
conferring  degrees  through  the  efforts  of  Hills- 
dale. "The  history  of  that  law,"  as  one  State 
historian  says,  "  is  a  chapter  in  the  history  of 
Hillsdale  College,"  for  which  she  should  receive 
due  credit,  as  it  was  done  by  her  and  for  her,  but 
all  others  have  reaped  the  benefits.     Under  this 

127 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

law  thirty-five  trustees  were  elected  in  March  and 
their  first  annual    meeting   held   in    July,    1855. 
Ransom  Dunn  was  one  of  these  trustees,  and  from 
1856  till  his  death  in  1900  was  always  present  at 
their  annual  meetings,  attending  thirty-eight  out 
of  the  forty-three  meetings.    The  occasions  when 
he  was  absent  were  when  away  for  health  in  the 
West  or  Europe,  and  when  in  later  years  a  new 
law  forbade  members  of  the  faculty  serving  on 
the  board  of  management.     When  the  first  fac- 
ulty of  the  college  were  elected  E.  B.  Fairfield 
received  eighteen  votes,  H.  E.  Whipple  seven- 
teen votes,  Ransom  Dunn  and   C.   H.  Churchill 
twenty-one  votes,  and  all  were  declared  unani- 
mously   elected.      Miss    Delia    R.    Whipple   was 
elected  lady  principal.     The  salaries   were   four 
hundred  dollars  to  seven  hundred  dollars.     Pro- 
fessor   Dunn   offered   the    following   resolution : 
"That  the  principal  of  all  funds  raised  toward 
the  endowment  of  the  college  by  donations  or 
sale  of  scholarships  outside  of   Hillsdale  county 
shall  be  held  forever  sacred,  the  interest  only  to 
be  expended."     Thus  was  the   principle  estab- 
lished on  which  the  college  has  been  saved  from 
shipwreck  such  as  other  institutions   have  suf- 

128 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

fered  that  succumbed  to  the  temptation  to  use 
endowment  funds  for  current  expenses  when 
occasion  seemed  to  demand,  and  living  within  the 
income  became  the  policy  of  the  trustees.  That 
the  income  has  been  too  small  has  been  a  sad 
fact,  but  that  the  effort  has  been  made  to  act  on 
this  wise  provision  is  a  great  credit  to  the  suc- 
cessors as  well  as  to  the  originator  of  it.  But 
the  friends  of  the  institution  and  of  education 
should  see  that  the  endowment  fund  is  made  suf- 
ficiently large  so  that  this  principle  can  be  carried 
out  and  yet  the  faculty  not  be  obliged  to  live  on 
inadequate  salaries  or  the  college  departments 
suffer  for  want  of  proper  appliances.  Gener- 
osity and  liberality  of  donors  must  go  with 
economy  of  management.  It  is  a  source  of  grati- 
fication, however,  to  know  that  self-sacrificing 
teachers  have  worked  with  conscientious  trustees 
for  the  best  interests  of  the  college. 

The  college  opened  in  November,  1855,  the 
dedicatory  address  being  given  by  Rev.  G.  H. 
Ball.  Mr.  Ball  wrote:  "It  was  an  occasion 
full  of  interest  to  every  friend  of  Christianity. 
The  imposing  building,  with  its  massive  dome, 
gave   inspiration   to    the    numerous   friends   as- 

129 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

sembled.  The  college  is  now  a  fixed  fact,  with 
an  edifice  not  surpassed  in  beauty  and  conveni- 
ence by  any  college  building  in  our  knowledge, 
with  a  basis  of  endowment  and  a  board  of 
teachers  that  do  credit  to  the  cause." 

Some  features  of  this  new  college  deserve 
special  mention.  It  was  said  that  however  cor- 
dially Professor  Dunn's  first  speeches  were  re- 
ceived by  citizens  of  Hillsdale,  there  was  one 
sentiment  but  feebly  applauded,  and  that  was 
the  doctrine  of  equal  rights  of  all  men  without 
regard  to  color.  There  was  no  love  for  the  agita- 
tion of  the  abolition  question  in  that  section  at 
that  time,  but  Hillsdale  county  a  few  years 
later  was  the  banner  county  in  the  Republican 
ranks  of  the  State,  and  helped  greatly  in  the 
free  soil  victory  in  1855.  An  early  student, 
who  became  a  Union  soldier,  could  well  give 
this  toast  to  Professor  Dunn  in  later  years : 
''To  you  who  so  efficiently  helped  to  plant 
in  the  oak  openings  of  Michigan  an  abolition 
college  which  has  blest  and  helped  thousands 
— that  is  glory  enough  for  one  man."  It  was 
not  customary  in  those  days  to  expect  women 
to   take  a  full   college  course,    and   it   was  not 

130 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

to  be  supposed  they  would  attend  the  same 
school  with  men.  But  already  at  Spring  Arbor, 
as  we  have  seen,  had  the  first  woman  to  receive 
an  A.  B.  degree  been  graduated,  and  now  when 
the  doors  of  Hillsdale  College  opened  it  was  to 
welcome  women  on  the  same  conditions  and  to 
the  same  privileges  as  men. 

But  the  man  who  had  done  more  than  any 
other  toward  this  consummation  was  not  per- 
mitted to  be  present  on  this  opening  day.  A 
serious  inflammation  of  the  eyes  drove  him  from 
his  books  and  work,  and  for  a  year,  suffering 
much,  he  was  under  the  care  of  an  oculist.  In 
the  summer  of  1856  he  wrote  to  the  Star:  'Mt 
is  impossible  to  answer  the  many  calls  for  labor. 
Let  one  explanation  do  for  all.  Since  November 
I  have  been  unable  to  read  or  write  or  to  labor 
much.  For  a  time  have  been  in  Boston  for 
treatment.  It  may  be  some  time  before  I  can 
engage  in  labor  as  in  the  past  three  years."  A 
niece  had  taken  care  of  the  family  in  the  Illinois 
home  during  the  winter  while  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dunn  with  the  two  little  ones  were  in  Boston. 
He  had  written  to  his  mother  the  previous  year 
from  Wayne  :     "  This  is  a  beautiful  country  and 

131 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

settling  rapidly.  Wild  land  that  three  years  ago 
was  purchased  at  one  dollar  and  twenty-five 
cents  per  acre  is  now  worth  ten  dollars.  Our 
place  is  but  six  miles  from  Warren,  which  now  is 
on  the  railroad  from  Galena  to  Chicago,  making 
connections  for  New  York  and  Boston.  I  am  still 
connected  with  that  college.  Have  raised  about 
twelve  thousand  dollars  within  eight  months  for 
the  endowment.  I  am  traveling  from  five  to  ten 
hundred  miles  a  month."  He  had  helped  in  a 
series  of  meetings  in  Warren,  and  dedicated  their 
new  house  of  worship,  **one  of  the  best  on  that 
side  of  the  lakes"  at  that  time.  A  course  of 
lectures  on  anatomy  and  physiology  that  he  had 
given  provided  the  money  for  the  bell.  The 
basement  was  used  as  a  school.  One  of  his 
Ohio  converts,  Horace  Woodworth,  was  the  pas- 
tor in  1855,  and  his  brother  Nathan  the  fol- 
lowing year.  Here  in  this  growing  village  he 
thought  to  have  a  comfortable  home  until  he 
should  go  to  the  college  waiting  for  him,  or,  if 
released  from  that  work,  into  missionary  work 
in  the  West. 

But  a  shadow  fell  upon  the  family  in  October, 
1855,   when   the    little   four-year-old    daughter, 

132 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 


Little  Cyrena  and  her  mother. 


Cyrena,  was  taken  with  typhoid  fever,  and  after 
two  weeks  of  suffering  was  taken  away.  Her 
bright  and  winsome  ways  had  made  his  home- 
comings joyous,  and  her  spiritual  insight  had 
been  a  constant  source  of  wonderment  to  all  who 
met  her.     Mr.  Rice,  after  his  last  visit,  had  writ- 

138 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ten:  "  I  fear  you  will  not  keep  that  little  girl 
long.  May  we  all  learn  from  her  how  to  possess 
a  meek  and  quiet  spirit.  She  would  add  new 
attractions  to  heaven."  The  father  wrote  to  his 
mother:  **A  sweeter  spirit  never  rejoiced  a 
parent's  heart.  She  was  the  idol  of  the  family. 
But  she  has  gone  to  a  better  clime.  It  is  all  right. 
God  knows  best." 

He  attended  the  Western  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion at  Racine  in  September,  and  the  anniver- 
saries in  Hillsdale,  Nov.  6.  The  presence  of 
Rev.  J.  L.  Phillips,  with  a  native  convert  from 
India,  "Sulu,"  made  this  an  interesting  session. 
But  the  fact  that  for  the  first  time  a  denomina- 
tional gathering  was  convened  in  their  own  col- 
lege at  Hillsdale  was  a  fact  of  special  interest. 
A  delegate  thus  describes  the  room  in  which  the 
meetings  were  held  :  "  The  chapel  is  the  upper- 
most room  in  the  building,  sixty  feet  square  and 
twenty-two  feet  high,  with  a  deep  gallery  on 
three  sides."  In  this  large,  light  chapel,  with  its 
long  windows  and  massive  columns.  Professor 
Dunn  made  the  impressive  opening  prayer. 

But  he  went  away  from  those  inspiring  meet- 
ings to  spend  a  gloomy  winter.     As  he  expressed 

134 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

it:  **  Before  spring  the  heavens  were  veiled,  the 
earth  clouded,  friends  shaded,  and  books  practi- 
cally annihilated.  Under  the  care  of  a  cele- 
brated oculist  in  Boston,  within  eighteen  months 
sight  was  restored  so  that  I  was  able  to  resume 
work  at  the  college.  In  the  meantime  my  serv- 
ices were  called  for  in  Bennett  Sreet  church,  and, 
securing  others  to  do  the  reading,  pulpit  labors 
were  kept  up  and  prosperity  enjoyed.  A  floating 
debt  of  one  thousand  six  hundred  dollars  was 
raised  and  as  much  expended  on  church  repairs, 
and  a  precious  revival  took  place."  Mrs.  Dunn, 
too,  suffered  with  sore  eyes,  and  for  some  time 
both  were  under  constant  treatment.  In  June  he 
went  West  to  attend  to  business  matters  and  to 
see  the  family,  and  during  his  absence  the  church 
at  Boston  voted  unanimously  to  call  him  as  their 
pastor.  A  house  was  secured  in  Chelsea,  and 
the  scattered  family  were  together  again. 

He  had  not  forgotten  the  work  in  the  West  nor 
the  college,  for  at  the  General  Conference  in 
Mainville,  O.,  in  1856,  he  urged  the  appoint- 
ment of  denominational  agents  for  the  Western 
States,  and  when  President  Fairfield  arrived  Pro- 
fessor Dunn  called  him  out  for  a  talk  on  Hillsdale 

135 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

College.  Mr.  Fairfield  in  turn  called  on  Professor 
Dunn,  and  he  spoke  on  the  possibilities  of  a 
Christian  college  in  the  West.  Brethren  Ball, 
Rice,  Davis,  and  others  followed,  while  President 
Fairfield  showed  pictures  of  the  new  buildings 
and  took  subscriptions.  The  editor  of  the  Morn- 
ing 5/^r  said :  "1  went  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  out  of  my  way  to  see  the  college,  and 
knew  it  by  the  picture  that  had  cast  such  a  spell 
over  Conference  and  opened  so  many  purse 
strings.  What  a  load  these  early  workers  have 
carried!     But  success  crowns  their  efforts." 

The  work  in  Boston  continued  to  be  blessed 
with  increasing  religious  interest,  and  the  pastor 
said:  "If  ever  I  felt  like  consecrating  every- 
thing to  God  and  his  work,  I  have  this  winter. 
O  for  revivals  !  "  But  in  the  fall  of  1857  came 
urgent  calls  to  return  to  Hillsdale,  not  only  for 
the  sake  of  the  college  but  as  pastor  of  the 
church,  where  it  was  felt  his  services  were  much 
needed.  Then  ''came  the  evenly  balanced 
struggle  as  to  which  field  of  labor  should  claim 
his  powers.  Financially  and  by  possession  Bos- 
ton had  him.  Ten  men  took  him  into  a  counting- 
room  and  solemnly  promised  him  one  hundred 

136 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

dollars  in  gold  every  month,  besides  his  clerical 
perquisites,  if  he  would  continue  to  hold  the  place 
he  had  made  important.  On  the  other  hand  he 
had  put  heart,  hand,  and  prayers  into  the  rising 
denominational  college,  his  name  had  been  kept 
on  the  faculty  page."  He  felt  his  obligation  to 
the  college  was  still  binding,  and  so  to  Hillsdale 
he  went  in  the  spring  of  1858.  Of  the  friends 
in  Boston  he  said  in  later  life:  'M  have  never 
parted  with  any  people  in  unpleasantness  nor 
enjoyed  separations,  but  the  prosperous  and  pro- 
spective condition  of  Bennett  Street  church,  the 
strange  and  undeserved  attachment  of  the  people 
for  me  and  my  regard  for  them,  rendered  my  de- 
parture from  Boston  at  this  time  one  of  the  most 
painful  separations  of  my  life." 

The  regard  was  mutual  and  the  friendships 
formed  there  were  lasting.  Whenever  Professor 
Dunn  was  in  New  England  he  always  called  on 
Boston  friends.  At  one  time  he  called  at  the 
home  of  one  of  his  old-time  parishioners  and  the 
father  had  not  yet  returned  from  the  office. 
When  he  came  home  the  little  girl  met  him  at  the 
door  with,  "O  papa.  Brother  Dunn  is  here.  1 
kissed  him,  we  all  kissed  him,  we're  so  happy," 

137 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

a  sentiment  which  the  father  seemed  to  share. 
As  long  as  the  old  members  remained  in  the 
city  the  announcement  that  he  was  to  preach 
would  bring  even  the  aged  ones  from  long  dis- 
tances. Good  old  Deacon  Pease  said,  *'l 
hold  it  one  of  the  great  blessings  of  my  life 
to  have  called  Elder  Dunn  friend,  brother^ 
and  pastor."  The  last  time  he  went  to  New 
England  was  at  the  time  of  the  General  Con- 
ference at  Ocean  Park  in  1898,  and  he  preached 
during  the  dedication  exercises  of  the  new 
church  on  Warren  Street.  He  still  found  a  few 
old  friends  to  greet  him,  and  the  children  of 
others  anxious  to  know  him.  The  pastor.  Rev. 
O.  H.  Tracy,  said,  "  This  people  feel  proud  and 
honored  to  think  that  you  have  been  our  pastor." 
Some  of  these  Boston  friends  followed  him  West 
and  became  founders  of  the  Chicago  church, 
supporters  of  the  Western  denominational  papers, 
helpers  in  Hillsdale  and  elsewhere. 

The  first  year  at  the  college  had  been  a  trying 
one,  as  only  a  part  of  the  edifice  was  completed 
when  the  school  opened.  But  faithful  teachers 
and  good-natured  students  had  worked  on,  and 
the  year  1858  found  things  in  good  running  order. 

138 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

Mrs.  V.  G.  Ramsey,  the  matron  of  the  hall,  had 
also  acted  as  lady  principal  for  the  first  year  in 
the  absence  of  Miss  Whipple.  She  said  that  the 
occasional  visits  of  Professor  Dunn  were  "  like  a 
burst  of  sunshine  on  a  dark  day."  On  arrival 
at  Hillsdale  the  Dunn  family  took  rooms  in  the 
college  boarding-hall.  The  boys  were  already 
here,  having  been  placed  in  school  while  the 
family  were  in  Boston.  Cedelia  Eliza  was  now 
nearly  thirteen  years  of  age,  but  mature  and 
womanly.  She  had  studied  with  a  Hillsdale 
student,  Mr.  Lindsley,  in  Wisconsin,  and  had 
rapidly  advanced  during  her  year  in  the  Boston 
schools,  and  now  was  ready  to  enter  college,  and 
welcomed  as  a  bright  pupil.  But  an  unseen  hand 
was  beckoning  her  away.  In  the  month  of  May, 
after  three  brief  days  of  that  dread  disease, 
scarlet  fever,  she  left  the  loved  ones  here,  to  be 
with  those  who  had  gone  to  the  heavenly  home. 
Her  last  words  were  the  joyful  exclamation, 
"I  have  found  Him!"  One  of  the  students, 
Mrs.  Euphemia  Merrill  Lance,  writes  of  the  im- 
pression that  death-bed  scene  made  on  the  hearts 
of  all.  She  says:  "My  room  was  on  the  same 
floor  and  near  hers,  and  I  was  with  her  when  the 

139 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

end  came  and  she  bade  adieu  to  all  of  us.  First 
her  father,  mother,  and  sister ;  then  she  called 
for  her  brothers  and  urged  them  to  meet  her  in 
heaven ;  and  soon  her  spirit  departed.  While 
she  was  lying  on  the  bed  in  death  her  father 
said,  *  Let  us  try  to  pray.'  Oh,  what  a  prayer ! 
There  in  that  little  room  when  our  hearts  were 
full  of  grief  he  seemed  to  have  communion  so 
close  with  God  that  those  boys  and  none  of  us 
student  friends  could  doubt  the  reality  of  those 
words,  'Thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort 
me.'" 

This  first  death  in  the  college  building  made  a 
deep  impression  on  the  students.  The  beautiful 
resolutions  of  the  literary  society  to  which  she 
belonged  were  expressive  of  the  feelings  of  the 
whole  school.  During  the  first  winter  after  the 
college  opened  there  were  twenty  conversions 
and  twelve  baptisms,  and  twenty-four  were 
added  to  the  college  church.  Now  this  spiritual 
influence  was  deepened  by  this  providential  call 
and  by  the  character  of  the  man,  now  pastor  of 
the  church,  who  showed  in  trial  as  well  as  in 
labor  his  trust  in  the  God  he  preached.  The 
student  already  quoted  refers  to  his  personal  in- 

140 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

fluence  over  the  students  :  "  How  good  he  used 
to  talk  to  us  young  people,  timid  and  homesick 
as  we  were.  He  had  always  a  kind  word,  and 
such  deep  spiritual  power  that  no  one  could 
doubt  his  sincerity."  Mrs.  Ramsey  felt  that  dur- 
ing the  first  two  years  of  the  school,  even  when 
absent  much  of  the  time,  "the  strength  of  his 
character,  his  patience  and  wisdom,  did  much  to 
keep  the  weak  and  tottering  enterprise  from 
falling,  and  to  make  it  what  it  became  in  later 
years,  a  blessing  to  the  world  and  an  honor  to 
the  denomination."  Still  more  was  his  influence 
felt  now  when  in  active  work  in  the  school  and 
church.  He  bought  the  house  at  the  corner  of 
Hillsdale  and  Fayette  streets,  and  here  many  of 
the  faculty  meetings  were  held. 

It  became  known  that  he  had  left  a  city  pas- 
torate, with  one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars 
salary  and  many  emoluments,  to  come  to  the  col- 
.lege  and  church  for  half  the  sum.  A  citizens' 
surprise  party  gave  him  a  purse  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  which  was  presented  by  Hon. 
Daniel  Pratt.  An  old-time  school-girl  journal 
tells  an  interesting  incident  that  followed : 

141 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

"  HILLSDALE,  Sabbath,  Sept.  26,  1858. 
"  What  a  blessed  man  Professor  Dunn  is  !  How  pleas- 
antly and  gratefully  he  referred,  before  morning  service, 
to  the  surprise  party  we  students  gave  him  Friday  even- 
ing. The  donation  party  by  church  and  town  people  sug- 
gested the  idea  to  us,  and  when  students  once  get  an  idea 
it  does  not  take  long  to  put  it  into  execution.  Of  course 
we  all  went  into  the  business,  heart  and  hand,  and  soon 
the  salute  was,  '  Have  you  subscribed? '  Well,  the  even- 
ing came,  and  East  Hall  was  the  place  of  rendezvous. 
The  captain  told  us,  on  penalty  of  being  court-martialed, 
not  to  speak  one  word  during  the  march  to  Professor 
Dunn's  house.  The  Hillsdale  brass  band  were  to  lead. 
Like  ghosts  we  noiselessly  file  right  and  left ;  the  brass 
band  with  brazen  instruments  brazenly  advance  to  the 
front.  Ready !  The  air  is  filled  with  martial  music.  We 
stand  like  living  statues,  with  bated  breath.  The  cur- 
tains are  drawn  aside,  then  a  surprised  professor  stands  in 
the  doorway.  Our  spokesman,  J.  T.  Hoke,  presents  a 
purse  containing  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  dollars  in  cash. 
The  professor  thanked  us  as  only  he  can,  and  then  ex- 
tended a  hearty  invitation  to  come  in,  and  soon  standing- 
room  only  was  to  be  had.  But  a  more  delightful  sociable 
never  was,  and  what  time  we  lost  on  the  march  was  made 
up  a  hundredfold." 

The  preaching  of  Professor  Dunn  in  the  chapel 
at  this  time  was  one  of  the  great  influences  of 
the  college.     One  who    attended   the    school  in 

142 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

1859,  and  became  a  minister  afterward,  says: 
**I  remember  with  gratitude  a  series  of  profound 
and  eloquent  sermons  on  natural  theology. 
They  thrilled  me  through  and  through.  They 
were  matchless  efforts,  and  I  have  carried  the 
impression  they  made  upon  me  through  life. 
Doubtless  much  of  Professor  Dunn's  long  and 
useful  life  as  a  teacher  and  preacher  is  still  being 
reproduced  in  the  lives  of  students  who,  like 
myself,  took  him  as  their  ideal."  The  preaching 
of  Professor  Dunn  in  the  chapel  had  a  wider  in- 
fluence than  that  upon  the  students  or  members 
of  the  church.  It  was  a  light  set  on  a  hill  that 
drew  to  it  citizens  and  strangers  of  varying 
creeds  and  beliefs,  for  the  fame  of  the  speaker 
traveled.  At  one  time  a  young  man  who  was 
attending  an  Eastern  college  was  spending  a 
vacation  with  friends  in  the  town  of  Hillsdale. 
Sunday  afternoon  came,  and  his  friend  said, 
"You  must  go  up  on  College  Hill  and  hear  Pro- 
fessor Dunn."  They  went,  and  his  journal  tells 
the  rest:  "How  can  I  write  of  that  sermon! 
The  text  was,  *  The  living,  the  living,  they  shall 
praise  thee.'  (Isa.  38:  19.)  I  cannot  attempt 
to  give  any  analysis  of   it.     He  presented   the 

143 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

realities  of  life  in  an  awe-inspiring  manner,  and 
many  of  the  great  throng  must  have  gone  from 
the  house  with  more  exalted  ideas  of  the  nobility 
of  a  true  life,  and  with  deeper  convictions  of  the 
meanness  of  their  own  sinful  lives.  I  know  that 
the  harshest  things  he  said  could  be  fitly  applied 
to  my  own  heart  without  going  to  find  my  neigh- 
bor. There  were  six  persons  baptized  at  the  foot 
of  the  hill,  and  the  exercises  were  very  interest- 
ing and  solemn."  This  young  man  lived  to  be 
a  prominent  Presbyterian  clergyman  in  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania,  Dr.  C.  E.  Robinson, 
and  he  never  saw  Professor  Dunn  again  until  as 
an  old  man  he  came  to  live  and  die  at  the  home 
of  his  daughter  in  the  city  of  Scranton,  where 
Dr.  Robinson  was  a  pastor.  In  giving  this  ex- 
tract from  his  diary.  Dr.  Robinson  says,  **How 
little  should  I  have  imagined  then  that  I  should 
be  called  to  speak  at  his  funeral  and  pay  in  public 
my  tribute  to  the  impression  made  upon  me 
that  day." 

One  of  the  features  of  Hillsdale  College  from 
the  first  was  its  literary  societies.  The  large 
Eastern  colleges  had  secret  fraternities,  and  clubs 
and  societies  of  various  kinds,  but  the  open  lit- 

144 


Hillsdale  College.— A  Literary  Society  Hall. 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

erary  society  with  the  support  of  the  faculty  and 
encouragement  of  the  public  was  a  characteristic 
of  this  school  that  has  always  had  great  influence 
in  making  its  students  clear  thinkers,  ready 
speakers,  and  practical  men  in  every  walk  of 
life.  All  over  the  country  where  one  meets  a 
Hillsdale  student  it  is  usually  found  that  he  is  the 
one  called  on  as  a  presiding  officer,  for  speaking 
on  public  occasions  and  serving  on  important 
committees.  The  college  made  provision  for 
these  societies  by  giving  them  halls  of  their  own. 
Professor  Dunn  was  an  active  supporter  of  their 
establishment  and  helper  in  their  success.  One 
of  the  early  students,  Hon.  J.  C.  Patterson, 
.wrote  in  later  years,  **  I  well  remember  the  deep 
impression  made  upon  my  youthful  mind  before 
I  became  your  pupil  by  your  stirring  address  on 
*  True  Manhood '  at  the  dedication  of  one  of  the 
society  halls  in  1858.  The  noble  sentiments  so 
beautifully  expressed  found  lodgment  in  my  heart 
and  gave  me  a  broader  view  and  a  higher  ideal 
of  life.  I  shall  always  cherish  the  memory  of 
this  and  your  later  words  of  wisdom  and  encour- 
agement as  my  teacher,  and  your  counsels  as  my 
friend."     At  the  commencement   of   1859,   Rev. 

145 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

G.  T.  Day,  who  had  been  a  friend  to  the  college 
through  all  its  early  days,  delivered  the  address 
to  the  literary  societies.  Among  the  parts  taken 
by  the  students  were  two  orations,  ''Let there 
be  Light,"  in  the  Alpha  Kappa  Phi  Society,  by 
N.  R.  Dunn;  and  ''Life  Measured  by  Deeds," 
in  the  Amphictyon,  by  F.  W.  Dunn. 

The  double  work  began  to  tell  upon  the  active 
teacher  and  pastor,  and  Boston  friends,  hearing 
that  rest  was  suggested,  urged  that  change  was 
rest,  and  that  if  he  would  return  to  his  old  place 
they  would  ask  for  only  one  sermon  a  Sabbath 
and  release  him  from  as  much  other  work  as  pos- 
sible, and  they  offered  to  fit  up  a  house  for  him. 
One  of  them  wrote,  "The  feeling  is  Dunn  — 
nothing  but  Dunn."  He  finally  consented,  and 
they  were  glad  to  announce  in  the  Star  in 
October,  1859,  that  Ransom  Dunn  was  back  in 
Boston.  "He  brings  to  this  field,"  the  report 
read,  "acknowledged  superior  mental  powers 
and  extraordinary  talents,  but  also  a  heart  full  of 
the  love  of  Jesus,  going  out  after  perishing  souls, 
as  shown  in  every  sermon  he  preaches  and  in 
his  daily  walk  and  conversation.  We  are  thank- 
ful to  God  for  giving  us  one  whose  faithful  labors 
and  wise  counsel  we  had  in  bygone  days." 

146 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

He  labored  earnestly  for  the  church  during  that 
year ;  and  was  frequently  called  upon  for  assist- 
ance in  the  exciting  campaign  then  in  progress, 
being  a  popular  speaker  in  the  Tremont  Temple 
meetings.  But  he  felt  that  his  coming  to  Boston 
that  time  ''was  a  mistake,  for  that  field  required 
a  whole  man  and  rest  was  what  I  needed."  And 
so  it  proved,  for  at  the  commencement  of  the 
year  1861  he  became  so  ill  he  could  no  longer 
continue  his  work  as  pastor.  He  took  a  trip 
South,  acting  as  a  newspaper  correspondent, 
with  letters  of  introduction  from  Congressmen  in 
New  England,  who  were  his  friends,  to  promi- 
nent men  in  Washington.  Friends  feared  for 
his  safety  in  the  capital  and  the  Southern  States, 
but  he  returned  safely.  The  respite  from  preach- 
ing and  the  change  of  air  had  not,  however, 
made  sufficient  improvement  in  his  health  that  he 
felt  justified  in  remaining  in  Boston. 

He  had  been  given  the  honorary  degree  of 
A.  M.  from  the  Wesleyan  University,  at  Middle- 
town,  Conn.,  in  i860.  For  some  time,  as  a  mat- 
ter of  interest  to  himself,  and  of  assistance  in 
the  debates  and  addresses  on  national  questions 
which  he  was  called  upon  to  give,  he  had  been 

U7 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

studying  law.  While  in  Boston  he  read  with  a 
lawyer  there  who  entered  him  as  a  law  student, 
and  now  offered  to  continue  his  assistance  by 
correspondence  or  recommendation,  and  urged 
Mr.  Dunn's  entering  upon  the  practice  of  law  in 
the  West  as  a  means  of  livelihood  and  a  use  of 
his  talents,  and  probably  less  nervous  strain  than 
the  ministry.  It  is  interesting  to  speculate  upon 
the  result  had  he  acted  upon  this  advice.  There 
is  no  doubt  but  that  he  would  have  made  a  suc- 
cess in  this  profession.  His  eloquence  would 
have  given  him  eminence  at  the  bar  and  his 
social  qualities  won  him  friends,  and  financial 
success  would  have  followed. 

Mr.  Dunn  went  to  Illinois  to  seek  for  rest  and 
a  home  and  some  little  work  for  the  Master  that 
he  might  be  able  to  do.  The  Boston  church 
called  Rev.  Austin  W.  Avery,  a  young  man  of 
brilliant  powers  and  sweet  spirit,  who  had  been 
studying  with  Pastor  Dunn  for  three  months  and 
was  much  loved  by  him  and  the  people.  Mrs. 
Dunn  went  to  Hillsdale  with  their  three  little 
girls,  Abbie,  Helen,  who  was  born  in  Boston  in 
1857,  and  Lily,  who  had  come  to  their  home  in 
Hillsdale  in  1859.     Wayland  concluded  to  leave 

148 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

school  and  take  them  to  Illinois,  and  remain  at 
home  to  assist  his  father,  who  had  received  an 
offer  to  preach  once  in  four  weeks  in  a  small 
place,  for  which  he  was  promised  two  hundred 
dollars  a  year  and  given  the  use  of  forty  acres 
of  land.  In  March,  1861,  they  went  to  live  at 
Prairie  Centre,  in  LaSalle  County,  twelve  miles 
from  Ottawa,  While  stopping  with  friends  here 
waiting  for  their  home  to  be  ready,  the  sweet 
little  Lily  faded  and  died ;  or,  rather,  should  we 
not  say,  the  Master  came  and  took  the  blossom 
for  his  own  fair  garden  above  ?  Wayland  said, 
"Another  sister  gone!  It  was  hard  to  give  up 
the  little  pet."  They  laid  her  beside  the  little 
Cyrena  in  Warren,  and  went  back  to  their  home- 
making  with  lonely  hearts,  missing  the  prattle  of 
the  wee  little  one. 

It  was  decided  to  build  a  stable  at  once  and 
live  in  that  until  the  house  could  be  built.  As 
soon  as  their  household  goods  arrived  it  was 
made  as  homelike  as  possible  for  their  temporary 
dwelling-place,  and  plowing,  planting,  and  build- 
ing occupied  the  time.  Always  fond  of  horses, 
Mr.  Dunn  seemed  to  have  special  adaptation  for 
breaking  colts,  and  gained  a  reputation  in  this 

149 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

particular  so  that  he  not  only  trained  those  for 
his  own  use  but  for  his  neighbors.  His  kindness 
and  patience,  combined  with  firmness,  made  him 
a  success  in  dealing  with  animals  as  well  as  with 
people.  But  however  busy  in  planning  farm 
work  and  overseeing  building  operations,  or  tired 
with  attempting  to  help  in  the  work,  his  voice 
was  not  silent  whenever  opportunity  offered  to 
give  the  Gospel  message.  At  the  schoolhouse 
in  their  district,  at  Oph'ir  Centre  or  at  Homer,  he 
was  preaching  much  of  the  time,  and  the  people 
of  that  county  heard  such  preaching  as  they  had 
never  heard  before.  They  would  drive  miles  to 
hear  him,  and  when  the  house  was  full  would 
drive  their  carriages  close  to  the  windows  and  sit 
there,  and  men  would  stand  in  the  door  and  on 
the  steps  during  the  whole  service.  He  dedi- 
cated a  new  church  at  Four  Mile  Grove.  The 
son  who  had  just  come  from  college,  and  had 
heard  some  good  lecturers  and  some  of  the  lead- 
ing speakers  in  the  field  in  the  war  campaign, 
wrote  in  his  journal,  after  attending  some  of 
these  services:  "He  is  certainly  one  among  a 
thousand,  the  best  speaker  I  ever  heard,  unless 
perhaps   Gough ;    and  as  good   a   man  as   ever 

150 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

lived."  He  was  appointed  General  Western 
Agent  of  the  Home  Mission  Board,  to  work  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 

Ransom  wrote  from  Hillsdale  that  the  students 
were  giving  themselves  by  the  score  to  the  gov- 
ernment in  the  hour  of  the  nation's  peril,  and  he 
wanted  to  enlist  in  a  company  then  being  formed. 
It  was  one  thing  to  lecture  against  slavery  and  to 
preach  for  union,  it  was  quite  another  to  give 
your  dearest  treasures  for  it.  But  the  father's 
heart,  though  torn  with  grief,  could  not  refuse. 
He  did  say,  however:  "If  this  war  lasts,  as  I 
fear  it  may,  you  will  have  plenty  of  time  to 
fight;  if  it  does  not,  you  will  not  be  needed. 
You  are  young ;  wait  until  you  graduate,  and 
then  if  your  country  needs  you,  you  may  go." 
So  in  September,  after  summer  vacation  at  home, 
the  boys  went  back  to  college.  The  father  went 
as  far  as  Chicago  with  them,  where,  after  attend- 
ing to  matters  of  business,  and  hearing  Lovejoy 
speak  on  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  they  said  good- 
bye sadly.  One  of  them  remarked  :  "How  sad 
father  looked  when  we  left !  I  would  do  any- 
thing for  him.  There  never  was  a  better  man  or 
father." 

151 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

The  year  passed  quickly  by,  and  June  19, 
1862,  came  Commencement  Day  at  Hillsdale. 
Newell  Ransom  Dunn  at  twenty-one,  and  Francis 
Wayland  Dunn,  nineteen  years  of  age,  were 
among  the  graduates.  Ransom  went  to  visit 
relatives  in  Ohio,  Wayland  to  the  home  in 
Illinois.  He  found  the  family  settled  in  the  small 
but  convenient  house  recently  built,  and  glad  to 
see  him.  In  July  came  the  call  for  300,000  men 
for  the  army,  and  the  excitement  was  intense. 
Wayland  wrote  to  a  friend  :  '*  I  have  gone  into 
the  war  three  times  and  I  am  not  in  yet.  Ran- 
som came  home  from  Quincy — he  had  been 
down  the  river  looking  for  a  place  to  teach  school 
—  just  as  I  was  going  to  the  recruiting  officer, 
and  said,  '  If  you  go,  my  name  goes  down  with 
yours.'  That  won't  do,  for  father's  health  will 
not  allow  of  both  leaving.  Father  came  near 
going  himself.  They  tried  to  get  a  company 
from  this  district  and  thought  they  could  if  he 
would  be  captain.  He  said  he  would  if  they  got 
the  requisite  number,  but  they  were  not  able  to 
do  it  in  the  required  time.  It  is  better  so ;  his 
health  is  not  good.  I  am  trying  to  persuade  him 
to  stop  preaching." 

152 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

But  the  day  came  when  the  two  boys  rode  to 
Ottawa,  past  the  little  schoolhouse,  waving  good- 
bye to  the  sisters,  away  from  the  sad-eyed 
mother  at  home,  who  had  herself  made  the  silken 
flag  that  was  presented  to  the  company,  to  report 
for  orders  in  the  sixty-fourth  regiment  of  the 
Illinois  volunteers,  the  ''Yates  Sharpshooters," 
and  September  ist  began  the  march  to  the  South. 
They  were  stationed  at  Corinth,  Miss.,  one  of 
the  outposts  of  the  army  of  General  Rosecrans. 
The  story  of  their  life  is  that  of  hundreds  of 
other  brave  young  boys  who  left  home  and 
friends  to  save  their  country,  to  learn  not  only 
the  horrors  of  battlefield  and  charge,  but  the 
meannesses  of  petty  under-officers  and  the  sel- 
fishness and  degradation  of  human  nature.  But 
their  unfailing  courtesy  won  the  good-will  of 
those  who  at  first  jeered  at  the  lads  who  pre- 
ferred the  Bible,  the  "Iliad,"  'Mvanhoe,"  or 
"  Les  Miserables,"  to  the  card-table  and  the  low 
jest,  while  their  faithfulness  to  duty  won  the  re- 
gard of  officers  and  gained  them  promotions. 
Letters  from  home  and  school  friends  cheered  the 
lonely  hours.  They  passed  unhurt  through 
several  battles,  and  wrote  cheery  letters  home. 

153 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

But  in  March,  1863,  Ransom  was  taken  sick 
with  typhoid  fever  induced  by  poor  water  and 
aggravated  by  exposure  while  on  guard  serving 
extra  hours  for  a  sick  friend.  The  brother 
helped  him  to  the  regimental  hospital  and  went 
daily  four  miles  for  fresh  milk  and  eggs  and  pure 
water  for  him.  A  telegram  and  letter  were  sent 
to  the  father  and  the  trains  watched  anxiously  to 
see  if  he  would  come.  The  week  went  by  and 
the  patient  was  no  better,  another  week  and  he 
was  failing.  He  wakened  from  a  feverish  sleep, 
reached  for  his  Testament,  and  pointed  to  the 
fourteenth  chapter  of  John,  which  his  brother 
read  to  him  ;  asked  for  bread,  and  when  it  was 
given  him  broke  it  in  small  pieces  as  usually 
served  at  the  communion  table,  and  quoted, 
**  This  do  in  remembrance  of  Me."  That  night 
he  called  for  his  brother,  whom  he  could  not  bear 
to  have  away  from  him.  After  doing  what  he 
could  for  his  comfort  Wayland  lay  beside  the 
sick  boy  where  he  could  touch  him  with  his  hand 
as  he  loved  to  do.  When  the  morning  light  stole 
in  the  brother  saw  a  change  in  the  sick  one's 
countenance,  and  tried  to  give  the  medicine,  but 
he  could  not  take  it.     He  spoke  to  him  but  he 

154: 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

could  answer  only  with  his  eyes.  Then  he  said, 
*'Is  it  all  right,  Ransom  ?  "  Ransom  turned  his 
eyes  toward  heaven,  and  was  gone,  and  Wayland 
was  alone  with  his  dead.  The  effort  to  get  the 
pass  to  take  the  body  home,  the  refusal,  the 
attempt  to  get  it  on  the  cars,  and  finally  sending 
by  express,  the  return  alone  to  camp  to  wait  for 
the  letter  from  home,  was  an  experience  from 
which  he  never  recovered.  The  expected  letter 
came,  telling  that  previous  letters  had  not  been 
received,  and  that  the  sudden  news  and  severe 
loss  was  a  terrible  shock;  and  alone  in  the  woods 
the  homesick  boy  shed  the  first  tear  as  he  saw 
the  father  crushed  by  this  blow  to  all  his  hopes 
and  affections. 

The  family  were  living  at  Warren,  111.  Pro- 
fessor Whipple  came  from  Hillsdale  to  attend  the 
funeral,  and  friends  were  very  kind.  But  the 
broken-hearted  father  paced  the  floor  in  an  agony 
of  grief,  and  the  little  girls  could  only  show  their 
sympathy  for  the  sorrow  they  hardly  understood 
by  the  clasp  of  the  hand  and  the  attempt  to  at 
least  walk  with  him.  The  fact  that  for  months 
Ransom  had  been  living  a  life  of  trust  in  Christ, 
that   his  death,  though  evidently  expected  from 

155 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  first  of  his  sickness,  had  been  met  calmly 
with  confident  hope  of  heaven,  was  a  comfort. 
The  anxiety  and  love  for  those  that  were  left 
filled  his  thought,  and  he  tried  to  bravely  keep  on 
with  his  work.  Since  August,  1862,  he  had  been 
pastor  of  the  church  at  Warren,  and  a  glorious 
revival  had  been  enjoyed  during  the  winter.  In 
the  summer  he  wrote:  *'For  some  time  it  has 
seemed  impossible  for  me  to  write  or  study. 
With  debilitated  nerves  and  brain,  burdened  with 
one  of  the  saddest  trials  of  my  life,  how  can  I  ? 
With  deep  anxiety  for  their  usefulness  I  did  what 
I  could  to  aid  my  two  sons  in  their  education. 
They  graduated  honorably  ;  one  sleeps  in  death, 
the  other  is  in  the  army.  It  seems  but  a  day 
since  I,  a  beardless  youth,  left  the  parental  roof 
for  '  the  field,'  and  yet  five  of  my  family  now 
repose  in  that  field.  Well  —  the  remainder  will 
soon  follow.  This  is  not  our  home, — *  we  seek  a 
city.'  But  while  on  the  journey  we  attend  to 
what  work  strength  and  opportunity  will  allow. 
The  Lord  will  provide." 

Before  the  summer  was  over  news  came  that 
the  war  had  claimed  another  of  his  family.  His 
youngest  brother  Thomas  had  died  in  New  Or- 

156 


HILLSDALE  COLLEGE 

leans  hospital.  He  was  a  chaplain  in  the  army 
and  his  last  letter  had  told  of  a  precious  work  of 
t^race  in  the  camp.  The  letter  which  told  of  his 
death  called  him  ''the  good  angel  of  the  colored 
people,  and  the  sick  boys  in  the  hospital," 
where  he  acted  as  nurse  as  well  as  chaplain. 
His  recent  appointment  as  superintendent  of 
schools  for  the  colored  children  in  the  city  had 
given  him  great  satisfaction  as  an  opportunity 
for  service  for  the  people  he  loved. 

Professor  Dunn's  service  for  the  soldiers  con- 
tinued through  the  work  of  the  U.  S.  Christian 
Commission,  by  his  own  contributions  and  those 
solicited  from  others,  and  he  was  invited  to  speak 
at  their  anniversary  in  Chicago. 


157 


VIll 

THE     THEOLOGICAL     DEPARTMENT—  EUROPEAN 
TRAVEL  —  NEBRASKA 

The  General  Conference  was  held  in  Hillsdale, 
in  October,  1862.  President  E.  B.  Fairfield  was 
elected  moderator.  Professor  Dunn  was  a  dele- 
gate from  Illinois.  A  resolution  was  introduced  by 
a  committee,  of  which  Rev.  G.  T.  Day  was  chair- 
man, that  the  corporators  of  the  [Morning  Star 
devote  three  thousand  dollars  of  surplus  funds  to 
Hillsdale  College  for  a  professorship  of  Biblical 
literature,  and  that  the  college  raise  nine  thou- 
sand dollars  for  the  same  purpose.  Mr.  Day  stated 
that  this  was  presented  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  the  faculty  of  the  college,  but  he  saw, 
as  did  others,  the  need  of  such  instruction  in  the 
institution,  the  college  needed  the  funds,  and 
funds  not  now  in  use  in  the  publishing  house 
might  be  so  applied  to  great  advantage  to  the 
denomination.     The  proposition  was  not  for  ac- 

158 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

ademical  purposes  but  for  distinctively  Chris- 
tian work.  Hon.  Ebenezer  Knowlton  favored  it 
strongly,  Professor  Whipple  and  Mr.  Abbey,  an 
agent  of  the  college,  spoke  feelingly  of  the  benefit 
it  would  be  to  those  not  able  to  go  to  the  theolog- 
ical school  in  the  East,  but  who  could  be  useful 
workers  in  the  Western  field.  Professor  Dunn 
said  that  thirty  or  forty  young  men  had  pleaded 
with  him  to  give  them  theological  instruction,  but 
he  had  urged  them  to  go  to  the  Biblical  School  in 
New  England,  and  when  that  was  not  possible, 
had  directed  their  reading.  President  Fairfield 
was  visibly  affected  by  the  earnest  interest  in 
the  college  shown  by  the  delegates  during  the 
discussion.  The  resolution  was  passed,  and  then 
it  was  unanimously  voted  that  the  new  chair  be 
called  the  Burr  professorship.  That  year  Pro- 
fessor Dunn  was  elected  to  fill  this  position,  and 
thus  began  his  long  service  as  the  head  of  the 
theological  department  and  professor  of  syste- 
matic theology. 

In  the  winter  of  1863  he  left  Warren  to  return 
to  the  college.  Another  little  girl,  Angienette, 
had  come  to  brighten  the  home  made  sad  by  the 
repeated  visits  of  the  death  messenger.     So  again 

159 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

with  three  little  girls  he  came  to  Hillsdale.  His 
friend,  Rev.  D.  L.  Rice,  who  had  been  for  some 
time  an  agent  for  the  college,  was  living  on  West 
Street,  and  took  the  Dunn  family  as  boarders 
until  they  should  secure  their  own  home.  His 
son,  Fenelon  Rice,  had  been  welcome  in  the  home 
of  Pastor  Dunn  in  Boston  while  studying  music 
there,  preparing  for  the  position  he  now  held  in 
Hillsdale  College. 

In  the  fall  of  1864  the  soldier  boy  was  mus- 
tered out  and  returned  home.  He  had  not  been 
heard  from  for  two  months  because  lines  of  com- 
munication had  been  cut  by  the  Confederates, 
and  the  family  and  friends  had  felt  very  anxious, 
fearing  he  had  been  captured  or  killed.  He  was 
now  joyfully  welcomed  to  the  home  circle  and 
the  larger  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintance.  His 
last  year's  service  had  been  sergeant  major  in 
the  First  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Alabama  Volunteers, 
connected  with  Sherman's  army.  Professor 
Dunn  had  bought  a  house  on  Manning  Street,  and 
a  room  was  planned  for  the  boy  that  it  was  hoped 
might  come  back,  with  many  a  thought  of  the 
one  who  could  never  come  again,  and  as  Way- 
land   placed   the   books   and   pictures  there,  old 

160 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

memories  crowded  upon  him,  and  he  sadly  said, 
"  The  rest  of  life  will  be  simply  waiting  for  the 
happy  reunion." 

He  found  his  father  on  double  duty  again, 
teaching  and  preaching,  and  as  he  listened  to 
that  voice  once  more  it  thrilled  him  as  of  old,  and 
he  wrote  in  his  journal  what  he  would  not  say  to 
others,  though  they  felt  the  same  :  ''  There  is  no 
better  speaker  in  the  United  States  than  this 
father  of  mine.  Sometimes  in  fervent  and  im- 
passioned passages  I  almost  fear  he  can't  keep  it 
up  and  will  fail,  but  failure  is  not  in  his  book.  If 
he  had  health  to  sustain  the  full  working  of  his 
energies  what  grand  results  would  follow."  It 
was  true  that  he  had  lost  none  of  his  youthful  fire 
in  the  pulpit,  and  had  gained  through  life's  experi- 
ences broader  thought  and  deeper  sympathies, 
and  the  sermons  were  an  inspiration  to  the  stu- 
dents and  citizens  who  crowded  the  chapel  to 
hear  him.  Not  long  ago,  Judge  J.  B.  Moore  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Michigan  spoke  of  the  first 
sermon  he  heard  from  Professor  Dunn  at  this 
time.  He  was,  he  said,  '*a  young  man  just 
from  the  saw-mill  and  the  farm,  and  that  sermon 
was  a  most  eloquent  and  inspiring  one  which  I 

IGl 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

shall  never  forget ;  and  in  all  these  years  since 
that  time  Professor  Dunn  has  been  just  as  elo- 
quently and  effectively  impressing  upon  the 
plastic  minds  of  youth  high  ideals." 

This  was  the  time  when  some  of  the  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  students  who  had  gone  at  the  coun- 
try's call  to  the  battlefield  were  returning  to  the 
college.  Many,  alas  !  never  returned  to  home  or 
school,  and  the  bronze  monument  on  the  campus, 
the  pictures  in  alumni  and  literary  society  halls, 
keep  in  memory  the  names  and  faces  of  some 
of  these  brave  boys.  One  who  was  privileged 
to  return,  Hon.  N.  S.  Harwood  of  Nebraska, 
wrote  recently  to  his  old  friend  and  teacher  this 
reminiscent  letter:  ''How  well  I  remember  the 
first  time  I  heard  you  preach  in  the  old  college 
chapel !  I  had  just  returned  from  camp  and 
thrown  aside  a  soldier's  life  to  renew  my  studies. 
1  had  not  heard  much  preaching  for  a  long  time, 
and  had  never  heard  such  preaching.  Your 
figure,  tall  and  erect,  your  wonderful  command 
of  language,  your  brilliant  imagination,  your  ear- 
nest speech  and  its  rapid  delivery,  reminded  me  of 
a  cavalry  charge.  It  seemed  to  sweep  every- 
thing  before   it.     The   effect  was  overpowering 

162 


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;V     -..  '   1 

THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

upon  me,  as  it  must  have  been  on  all  your  listen- 
ers ;  and  what  an  example  of  oratory  to  students 
expecting  to  follow  professional  life  !  "  It  was  no 
wonder  many  of  the  students  adopted  Professor 
Dunn  as  their  ideal  preacher,  and  still  acknowl- 
edge his  dominating  power  over  their  thought,- 
expression,  and  manner  as  well  as  character  and 
life. 

In  the  fall  of  1865,  Professor  Dunn  and  his 
son,  accompanied  by  Rev.  G.  T.  Day,  took  an 
extensive  trip  through  the  Old  World.  They 
sailed  November  25h,  and  a  letter  to  the  Star 
written  as  the  shores  of  the  homeland  were 
receding,  has  this  paragraph,  which  those  who 
have  followed  with  us  the  story  of  his  life  will 
understand  :  ''  There  is  something  strange  about 
the  atmosphere  of  this  morning.  It  affects  the 
heart,  and  the  eyes  do  not  escape.  Why  should 
they,  for  are  they  not  gazing  far  away  over  the 
stormy  past  ?  Do  I  not  see  distinctly,  although 
through  a  little  mist,  the  hills  and  vales  of  child- 
hood ;  the  mud,  the  forests,  and  prairies  of  West- 
ern labor,  with  Dover,  Great  Falls,  and  Boston 
in  the  midst  ?  In  the  foreground  of  the  picture 
are  there  not  hundreds  of  faces — five  in  particu- 

163 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

lar — which  once  smiled  on  my  pathway,  again 
looking  silently  upon  me  ?  Ah,  this  is  no  imag- 
ination !  1  do  see  them,  and  more  —  for  living 
loved  ones  are  in  the  view.  With  gratitude  for 
the  past,  committing  myself  to  the  prayer-hear- 
ing God  who  careth  for  us,  for  the  present  to  all 
these  scenes  and  friends,  farewell.  God  is 
everywhere.  Before  I  go  1  wish  to  express  my 
warmest  thanks  to  the  many  dear  friends  who 
have  so  generously  contributed  nearly  one  thou- 
sand dollars  toward  my  expenses.  These  names 
and  undeserved  favors  are  kept  in  mind  and  heart. 
How  this  can  ever  be  returned  God  only  knows. 
Through  his  rich  blessing  may  they  all  fmd  it 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 

He  wrote  a  series  of  letters  to  the  Morning  Star, 
addressed  to  the  ''  young  folks  out  West,"  which 
were  much  enjoyed  by  old  and  young,  East  and 
West.  The  trip  included  Great  Britain  ;  Rouen, 
Paris,  and  other  points  in  France ;  Milan,  Flor- 
ence, Naples,  and  Rome  and  other  places  in  Italy  ; 
Alexandria  and  Cairo  in  Egypt ;  the  Syrian  des- 
ert and  Palestine.  It  was  this  latter  part  of  the 
journey  that  the  preacher  enjoyed  most,  not  only 
because  of  its  novelty  and  the  health-giving  tonic 

164 


THE    THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

it  proved  to  be,  but  because  of  its  associations. 
He  wrote  to  his  family  :   *M  never  expect  to  enjoy 
another  month  of  travel  so  well.     The  scenery 
and  country  are  interesting,  but  more  so  to  visit 
the  places  where  Christ  and  his  apostles  lived  and 
labored  and  died.     How  much  the  world  owes  — 
how  much  we  individually  owe — to  the  Saviour 
who  here  died  for  us  !  "     The  return  journey  was 
by  the  way  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea  to  Constanti- 
nople,   up    the  Danube    River  to  Vienna  ;  then 
Switzerland,    Lake  Geneva,  and  the  Alpine  gla- 
ciers ;   Strasburg   and  Cologne,  Berlin,  Potsdam 
and  Dresden  ;  and  back  to  London.     In  England 
Revs.  Dunn  and  Day  were  visiting  delegates  to 
the   Convention   of   General    Baptists   of   Great 
Britain  in  June,  being  sent  as  representatives  of 
the  Free  Baptists  of  America,  and  were  received 
with  the  greatest  cordiality.     They  remained  in 
England  a  short  time  to  visit  Oxford,  Manchester, 
•  Nottingham,  and  other  interesting  places  ;  went 
to   Scotland   and   Ireland,   to   see   Glasgow   and 
Edinburgh  and  the  Scottish  lakes,  and  the  "Gi- 
ant's Causeway,"  and  returned   to  America  by 
way   of   Quebec.     Professor    Dunn   wrote  from 
Fairfax,  Vermont,  August  ist :  ''We  are  now  so 

166 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

near  home  that  we  consider  our  journey  com- 
pleted, its  dangers,  labors,  and  pleasures  laid 
away  in  the  dusty  past,  and  the  work  of  life 
again  on  hand.  Heaven  forbid  that  the  last  year 
should  be  lost  to  us  or  the  world."  His  last 
letter  to  the  Star  readers  closed  thus:  '*  If  you 
have  read  what  I  have  written,  I  am  thankful ; 
if  it  has  been  a  source  of  happiness  or  profit  to 
any,  I  am  still  more  so.  We  have  moved  rather 
rapidly,  passing  over  fifteen  or  twenty  thousand 
miles  in  eight  short  months.  We  have  experi- 
enced a  great  deal  of  pleasure  and  a  great  deal 
that  was  not  pleasure.  If  I  could  transfer  to  you, 
my  dear  young  friends,  any  amount  of  the  former 
without  the  latter  I  should  be  very  glad.  By 
imparting  the  sweets  of  life's  cup  to  others  we 
make  its  very  dregs  a  luxury  to  ourselves.  Wish- 
ing you  a  great  deal  of  goodness  which  will  cer- 
tainly secure  happiness  here  and  hereafter,  I 
remain  for  the  church  and  the  world,  yours  in 
Christian  obligation,  R.  Dunn." 

Dr.  Day  wrote  on  his  arrival  at  Providence  : 
"  I  hear  with  gratitude  of  the  safe  arrival  at  home 
of  Brother  Dunn  and  son,  companions  in  a  por- 
tion of  life  which  will  never  cease  to  be  memo- 

166 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

rable  and  which  they  have  done  so  much  to  in- 
vest with  interest." 

The  journey  and  its  experiences  never  ceased 
to  be  a  subject  of  interesting  conversation  among 
Professor  Dunn's  friends,  for  he  was  a  rare 
conversationalist  and  could  give  a  description  or 
tell  a  story  with  a  lifelikeness  that  was  fascina- 
ting. And  the  material  gathered  furnished  the 
groundwork  for  many  lectures  which  became 
sources  of  information  to  many  churches  and 
institutes  as  well  as  to  the  students  of  the  college. 
He  came  back  to  Hillsdale  unannounced,  slipping 
quietly  in  on  a  night  train  to  find  a  light  burning 
and  a  solitary  watcher  waiting,  for  whom  there 
was  no  sleep  that  night  for  very  excess  of  joy 
and  thankfulness.  The  next  morning  three  little 
girls  were  ready  to  entertain  him  with  all  they 
had  learned  during  his  long  absence,  or  to  hear 
his  wonderful  stories  of  the  Empress  Eugenie 
who  had  hair  just  like  theirs,  of  the  marvelous 
dolls  and  musical  instruments  he  had  seen,  and 
of  the  queer  children  he  met.  But  the  first  sight 
of  the  familiar  figure  on  the  streets  that  afternoon 
was  the  sign  for  an  enthusiastic  demonstration  of 
welcome  from  students  and  citizens. 

167 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

He  took  up  again  the  double  burden  of  profes- 
sor of  theology  and  pastor  of  the  church.  A  new 
work  was  now  added.  The  church  was  still 
worshiping  in  the  college  chapel  and  it  was  felt 
that  they  should  have  a  church  home  of  their 
own.  It  would  be  a  great  effort  to  bring  to  suc- 
cessful completion  this  undertaking,  for  the  mem- 
bership was  not  wealthy,  and  the  edifice  must  be 
.-a  large  one  to  accommodate  not  only  ordinary 
church  services  but  the  large  audiences  of  Com- 
mencement Day  and  other  college  gatherings. 
He  threw  himself  into  the  task.  Every  subscrip- 
tion but  one  was  taken  by  him.  His  constant 
oversight  saved  many  delays  and  needless  expend- 
itures. As  the  work  was  done  by  day's  work, 
not  by  single  contract,  close  attention  was  neces- 
sary. The  lecture  room  still  bears  its  silent 
witness  to  the  time  he  risked  his  life  to  save  the 
church  from  destruction  by  fire  when  he  rushed 
up  the  ladder  and  the  scaffolding  and  snatched  a 
falling  light  left  by  a  careless  employee.  The 
church  was  dedicated  Jan.  i,  1868.  An  immense 
audience  filled  the  large  auditorium  while  the 
pastor  spoke  on  the  influence  of  the  church  on 
society  and  civilization,  the  text  being  Gen.  28 : 

168 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

i6,  17.  The  cost  of  the  church  was  nearly 
twenty  thousand  dollars,  and  the  ladies  raised 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  dollars  for  furnishing. 
During  these  years  Professor  Dunn  had  other 
demands  upon  his  time  and  strength.  A  church 
had  been  organized  in  Chicago,  and  an  urgent 
call  extended  to  him  to  become  its  pastor  in  the 
summer  of  1865.  But  he  felt  that  if  able  to  work 
at  all  his  place  was  in  Hillsdale,  and  the  European 
trip  had  been  suggested  by  friends  and  was 
already  planned.  The  church  renewed  the  call, 
promising  a  year's  leave  of  absence,  but  he  de- 
clined. He  continued  to  assist,  however,  in  their 
church  building,  in  the  securing  of  a  pastor,  and 
by  contributing  and  soliciting  financial  aid. 

Another  enterprise  of  considerable  moment  was 
the  establishment  of  a  Western  denominational 
paper,  which  had  been  often  discussed  and  finally 
projected.  A  Publishing  Association  was  formed 
in  1867.  Rev.  D.  M.  Graham  was  made  editor, 
Rev.  A.  H.  Chase  publishing  agent.  Francis 
Wayland  Dunn  was  called  to  be  assistant  editor. 
As  Mr.  Graham  was  pastor  of  the  Chicago 
church,  and  Mr.  Chase  connected  with  the  Freed- 
men's  Mission,  it  followed  that  much  of  the  work 

169 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

fell  upon  the  office  editor,  Mr.  Dunn.  The  paper 
was  called  The  Christian  Freeman,  and  was  pub- 
lished in  Chicago,  and  its  literary  character  and 
pure  tone  and  bright  editorials  gave  it  a  wide 
reading.  Will  Carleton  claims  to  have  received 
more  help  on  style  and  diction  from  the  edito- 
rials of  Wayland  Dunn  than  from  any  other 
source.  But  like  his  father  the  ambition  of  the 
young  man  went  beyond  his  strength,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1868  a  "little  cold  "  developed  serious 
consequences,  and  a  change  of  climate  was  ad- 
vised. He  took  a  trip  South  with  his  Uncle  Hiram, 
and  the  letters  from  New  Orleans  and  interme- 
diate points  were  enjoyed  by  many  who  did  not 
know  that  it  was  the  brilliant  young  editor  who 
was  beginning  a  long  fight  of  seven  years  against 
the  disease  that  had  carried  the  mother  away 
in  her  youth.  On  the  way  North  he  visited  the 
old  battlefields  and  the  place  where  the  brother 
had  spent  his  last  days  on  earth.  Three  months 
of  hard  work  in  Chicago,  and  again  he  was  driven 
from  the  office,  and  Mr.  Chase  wrote  :  "  Our 
readers  know  with  what  ability  he  has  managed 
the  columns  of  The  Freeman  and  the  interest  with 
which  they  have  read  his  spicy  and  able  editorials. 

170 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

As  a  writer  he  has  few  superiors,  and  is  always 
a  wise  counselor  and  true  friend."  With  a 
college  friend  he  went  to  the  Rocky  Mountains 
for  the  relief  the  South  had  failed  to  give. 
They  joined  in  a  Buffalo  hunt  and  were  attacked 
by  Indians  and  so  had  thrilling  stories  to  tell. 
After  an  absence  of  five  months  he  returned  to 
the  editor's  sanctum  in  December.  But  in  March, 
1869,  his  editorial  was  entitled  '' Finally,"  and 
brought  tears  to  the  eyes  of  many  as  they  read 
his  reference  to  the  outward-bound  steamer  as 
she  swung  from  the  pier  at  North  River:  *M 
remember  a  kind  of  awe,  a  half  fear,  a  vivid 
consciousness  of  my  own  utter  helplessness.  Be- 
hind was  confidence  and  surety ;  before  us  was 
the  wide  unknown.  Something  like  this  feeling 
takes  possession  of  me  to-night.  All  that  is  cer- 
tain seems  slipping  beyond  my  reach  as  I  find 
myself  swung  loose  from  my  moorings,  dropping 
down  the  river  of  time  to  the  ocean  of  eternity." 
The  summer  of  1868  Mrs.  Dunn's  health  had 
failed  also,  and  the  family  spent  the  vacation  in 
Chicago,  where  she  could  have  the  special  treat- 
ment required  by  eminent  physicians.  Professor 
Dunn's   name   had  been  proposed  for  Congress 

171 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

that  year,  but  with  the  care  of  the  church  and 
his  department  in  college  and  the  anxiety  in 
regard  to  the  family  he  had  no  desire  for  political 
honors,  and  declined  the  nomination.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1869,  the  publisher  of  The  Freeman  resigned 
and  the  corporators  appointed  a  committee  on 
publication,  with  Ransom  Dunn  as  general  agent. 
He  said:  ''From  the  first  it  has  been  my  pur- 
pose to  assume  no  responsibility  respecting  the 
editorship  or  publishing  of  this  paper  except  to 
pay  my  proportion  if  necessary.  But  circum- 
stances beyond  my  control  have  overcome  this 
resolution,  and  the  necessities  of  the  case  and 
the  decision  of  my  associates  and  the  indications 
of  Providence  render  further  refusal  impossible." 
Henry  J.  King  was  made  book-keeper  of  the  con- 
cern. Professor  Dunn,  with  his  usual  energy, 
worked  to  make  the  paper  a  success.  But  in 
March,  1870,  he  announces:  *Mt  seems  to  be 
unavoidably  necessary  to  say  that  two  months 
since  a  shock  suddenly  put  an  end  to  professional 
work.  Continued  prostration  renders  it  neces- 
sary to  retire  from  all  labor  and  seek  rest  and 
physical  exercise  and  natural  scenery  for  relief." 
Wayland  had  been  traveling  through  Kansas 

172 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

and  Nebraska,  and  had  purchased  land  in  Rich- 
ardson county,  Nebraska.  Here  the  family  moved 
in  March,  1870,  and  settled  at  Salem,  hoping  that 
relief  from  overwork  and  nervous  strain  might 
come  from  the  grand  views  and  balmy  air  of  the 
rolling  prairie. 

Professor  Dunn  would  not  allow  himself  to 
preach  at  first,  but  always  attended  services  if 
able  to  be  out.  Some  of  the  preachers  in  those 
small  towns  in  that  new  country  were  men  who 
had  had  very  little  education,  and  a  friend  said  to 
him  once,  "  I  don't  see  how  you  stand  it  to  sit 
and  listen  to  such  preaching,  Professor."  The 
reply  was,  "They  all  say  some  good  things,  and 
the  text  is  all  right,  and  I  can  think  of  other 
things  on  the  subject."  The  people  were  anxious 
to  have  him  preach  if  he  could  without  injury  to 
himself,  and  one  man  expressed  surprise  at  the 
amount  of  work  he  was  doing,  both  mentally  and 
physically,  connected  with  the  business  of  open- 
ing up  a  new  farm  and  improving  such  a  large 
one.  He  replied,  pointing  to  the  fields  of  grain 
and  the  fences,  ''Well,  brother,  there  is  no  salva- 
tion or  damnation  in  this  kind  of  work."  This 
expression  speaks  volumes  concerning  the  feeling 

173 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

of  responsibility,  the  deep  conviction  of  duty,  the 
utter  absorption  of  self  in  work  for  others,  the 
burden  for  souls,  that  wore  him  out  repeatedly. 
The  intensity  of  feeling  that  used  up  all  nervous 
'.  strength  was  the  very  force  that  impelled  others 
to  action,  turned  souls  into  the  Kingdom,  and 
stirred  men  to  earnestness  of  purpose  and  en- 
deavor. 

So  the  months  went  by,  the  wild  prairie  was 
becoming  a  cultivated  farm,  the  temporary  shelter 
exchanged  for  a  new  and  comfortable  house, 
health  improving,  and  the  family  more  contented. 
The  Chicago  church  gave  Professor  Dunn  an- 
other urgent  call  to  be  its  pastor  in  the  spring  of 
1 871,  and  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  he 
would  attempt  it,  promising  only  one  sermon  each 
Sabbath,  and  with  the  condition  that  their  indebt- 
edness should  be  raised. 

But  at  this  time  came  the  most  imperative  call 
in  all  his  history  —  circumstances  were  such  at 
Hillsdale  as  to  demand  his  immediate  presence, 
said  the  local  trustees.  He  went,  and  saved  the 
day.  Teachers  who  were  trembling  felt  coura- 
geous, students  who  were  planning  to  leave  de- 
cided to  remain,  citizens  who  were  losing  confi- 

174 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

dence  were  reassured.  Let  those  who  were 
present  tell  the  story.  "How  well,"  says  one, 
''  I  recall  the  scene  at  chapel.  1  heard  a  great 
cheer,  and  looking  around  saw  Professor  Dunn 
walking  rapidly  down  the  aisle.  He  conducted 
chapel  exercises,  and  then  gave  an  address. 
Such  eloquence,  such  personal  power,  I  had 
never  witnessed  before.  There  was  a  recog- 
nized leader.  Hope  and  loyalty  took  the  place 
of  gloom  and  distrust."  Another  says:  "I  joined 
with  the  others  in  making  that  old  chapel  ring 
when  Professor  Dunn  entered  that  morning. 
And  I  remember  the  sermon  the  next  day.  I 
never  heard  its  equal  before  or  since.  I  never 
heard  it  approached  in  pathos,  eloquence,  and 
power."  Still  another:  ''The  picture  painted 
in  that  hour  hangs  undimmed  on  the  walls  of 
memory's  chamber.  What  sincerity,  moral  ear- 
nestness, dauntless  courage,  faith  in  God,  spoke 
through  his  life  and  emanated  from  his  person. 
From  that  hour  I  trusted  Ransom  Dunn  abso- 
lutely." There  are  occasions  that  stand  out 
like  mountain  peaks  in  the  history  of  individuals 
and  institutions.  This  was  such  an  one  in  the 
life  of  Ransom  Dunn  and  in  the  history  of  Hills- 

175 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

dale  College.  He  was  inspired  for  that  work  at 
that  time.  But  the  question  now  arose,  could  he 
be  persuaded  to  remain? 

The  president  had  resigned  and  Professor  Dunn 
was  urged  to  accept  the  presidency.  This  he 
declined  to  do,  but  it  was  felt  his  continued  coun- 
sel was  needed.  Was  his  health  permanently 
restored  ?  And  the  failing  health  of  his  son  was 
to  be  considered.  A  member  of  the  faculty  later 
thus  represented  the  situation:  ''Way land  with 
calm  but  intelligent  eyes  looked  at  his  own  van- 
ishing future,  well  knowing  it  was  only  a  ques- 
tion of  time  —  a  few  months  or  years  at  most, 
and  his  brief  work  would  be  done.  He  had  been 
asked  to  accept  the  chair  of  helles  lettres  in  the 
college.  Might  he  not  die  with  the  harness  on  } 
They  would  go  back  —  father  and  son.  One  was 
beyond  what  climate  could  do  for  anybody  ;  the 
other  was  sufficiently  restored  to  be  worth  much 
to  the  cause ;  and  again  the  family  moved  to 
College  Hill."  At  the  home  on  the  corner  of 
College  and  Hillsdale  Streets,  in  the  large,  ram- 
bling house  behind  the  hedge  of  arbor  vit«,  was 
the  study  from  which  these  two  men  with  well 
stored  brains,  broad  scholarship,   and  extensive 

176 


THE  THEOLOGICAL   DEPARTMENT 


Professor  F.  W.   Dunn. 


travel  were  to  send  out  their  influence.  The 
class  of  '73,  and  other  students  fortunate  enough 
to  have  the  privilege  of  study  with  Professor 
Wayland  Dunn,  have  never  ceased  to  be  grateful 
for  it.  His  painstaking  work  in  charts,  tables, 
and  diagrams  for  use  in  classes  in  logic  and 
English,  and  especially  the  original  sketches  and 

177 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  photographs  for  the  class  in  esthetics,  were 
appreciated  by  the  students.  The  examination 
of  the  exercises  for  society  contests  and  anniver- 
saries was  a  valuable  part  of  his  work,  for  while 
his  criticisms  were  severe  he  took  time  to  explain 
the  reasons  for  them  and  to  put  heart  into  the 
discouraged  writers.  The  character  of  the  man 
had  an  indescribable  influence.  One  young  lady 
found  in  tears  one  day  said,  as  if  every  one 
would  understand,  ''  To  fail  in  his  class  !  " 

But  it  was  not  for  long.  His  brief,  beautiful 
service  closed  Dec.  13,  1874.  He  had  attended 
the  last  covenant  meeting  of  the  church,  and  in 
his  remarks  spoke  of  death  as  **  going  to  sleep  to 
awake  in  heaven."  It  was  true  in  his  case,  for 
a  few  nights  later  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  and 
when  the  day  dawned  it  was  for  him  a  brighter 
day  in  a  more  glorious  clime.  The  brave  strug- 
gle was  over ;  he  rested  in  peace.  The  agony  of 
the  father  who  saw  the  son  of  such  brilliant 
promise  and  beautiful  character  taken  from  him 
cannot  be  chronicled.  There  is  an  old  Spanish 
proverb  that  says,  '''Whither  goest  thou,  Sor- 
row ?  '  '  Where  I  am  used  to  go.'  "  And  truly 
in  Ransom  Dunn's  life  was  sorrow's  path  often 

178 


THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT 

used.  But  trust  and  confidence  in  the  Father 
who  ''doeth  all  things  well  "  sustained  him,  and 
he  went  on  with  saddened  heart  and  lonely  life 
but  untiring  zeal  in  his  work. 


The  year  1874  saw  a  sad  catastrophe  in  the 
college.  On  the  night  of  the  6th  of  March,  dur- 
ing the  spring  vacation,  a  fire  broke  out  in  West 
Hall,  and  notwithstanding  most  vigorous  efforts, 
three-fifths  of  the  college  building  went  down 
that  night.  Professor  Dunn  seemed  everywhere, 
directing  students  and  citizens,  who  bravely  and 
manfully  fought  the  destroying  flames.  It  was 
evident  that  West  Hall  must  go,  and  so  the  efforts 
were  concentrated  upon  the  centre  building. 
With  his  love  for  books  it  was  natural  that  Pro- 
fessor Dunn's  first  thought  should  be  to  save  the 
library  if  possible.  The  students  with  equal 
energy  tried  to  secure  the  furniture  of  their  so- 
ciety halls.  Carpets  were  torn  up  and  deluged 
with  water  and  placed  upon  the  roof  of  East 
Hall,  students  even  climbed  the  dome  with  water. 
But  fire  and  smoke  drove  all  down,  and  at  last 
they  could  only  stand  and  watch  the  leaping 
flames  climb  to  the  very  top  and   wreathe  the 

179 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

columns  in  fiery  light  —  a  grand  sight,  if  it  had 
not  been  the  dear  old  college.  On  the  next 
dreary  day  the  campus  presented  a  sad  spectacle 
with  the  blackened  ruins  of  the  building,  the 
motley  collection  of  things  on  the  lawn,  the 
groups  of  gloomy  students  and  citizens  who 
sadly  viewed  the  havoc  the  fire  had  wrought. 
But  immediate  action  was  taken  to  rebuild,  pro- 
vision was  made  for  accommodating  classes  in 
the  church,  houses  were  opened  for  the  students, 
and  the  school  went  on  without  interruption. 


180 


IX 


COLLEGE   PRESIDENCIES— RIO  GRANDE  AND 
HILLSDALE — CALIFORNIA 

During  the  rebuilding  of  tlie  college  after  the 
fire  of  1874,  Professor  Dunn  secured  leave  of 
absence  and  went  to  Rio  Grande,  Ohio,  to  assist 
in  establishing  Rio  Grande  College.  This  school 
was  the  gift  of  Deacon  Nehemiah  Atwood  and 
his  wife,  Pamelia.  They  were  converts  of  Rev. 
I.  Z.  Haning,  and  through  his  influence  founded 
the  Atwood  Institute  at  Albany,  Ohio.  But  the 
lack  of  interest  on  the  part  of  citizens  in  the 
town  where  it  was  located  caused  Mr.  Atwood  to 
found  the  school  at  Rio  Grande.  As  the  provis- 
ions of  the  will  made  it  necessary  to  build  a 
denominational  college  at  this  place,  on  prop- 
erty given  for  the  purpose,  it  seemed  wise  to 
have  some  Free  Baptists  who  had  had  experience 
in  such  work  assist  in  the  plans  for  it.  Rev.  Mr. 
Haning  moved  to  Rio  Grande  for  this  purpose 
and   called   to  their  assistance  Professor  Dunn, 

181 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

whose  experience  at  Chester,  Ohio,  and  at 
Spring  Arbor  and  Hillsdale,  Mich.,  had  fitted  him 
to  direct  such  an  enterprise.  He  secured  the 
charter,  arranged  the  by-laws,  and  organized  the 
board  of  trustees  in  November,  1875.  The  build- 
ing already  built  was  a  good  one,  but  another 
was  needed  for  dormitory  and  dining  hall,  which 
he  persuaded  the  donor,  Mrs.  Wood,  formerly 
Mrs.  Atwood,  to  add  to  her  gift.  He  was  elected 
president  and  accepted  the  place  for  a  short  time. 
Prof.  A.  A.  Moulton,  Prof.  Geo.  A.  Slayton,  and 
Miss  Nellie  M.  Phillips  were  the  first  teachers. 
In  1879  Professor  Moulton  was  made  president. 
When  Miss  Phillips  left  for  India,  Miss  Helen  A. 
Dunn  took  her  place.  The  college  was  dedicated 
August,  1876,  the  dedication  sermon  and  prayer 
being  given  by  President  Ransom  Dunn,  D.D. 
The  buildings  with  ten  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
forty  thousand  dollars,  were  deeded  to  the  trus- 
tees. The  remainder  of  the  estate,  worth  over 
fifty  thousand  dollars,  was  bequeathed  to  the 
college  through  the  influence  of  Professor  Dunn, 
for  an  endowment.  The  school  opened  for  stu- 
dents in  September,  1876,  and  has  been  doing 
a  useful  work  ever  since. 

182 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

During  the  spring  of  1876  Professor  Dunn 
spent  some  time,  at  tlie  request  of  the  Home 
Mission  Society,  in  visiting  the  churches  of  the 
freedmen  in  Southern  Illinois.  \n  the  summer  he 
took  his  wife  and  the  two  younger  daughters  who 
were  at  home,  Helen  and  Nettie,  to  the  Centen- 
nial Exposition  at  Philadelphia,  visiting  Washing- 
ton on  the  way.  As  they  passed  over  the  Cum- 
berland mountains  and  down  the  Potomac  river 
to  Harper's  Ferry  they  thoroughly  enjoyed  the 
grand  views,  and  he  assured  them  they  would 
scarcely  find  scenery  to  surpass  this  should  they 
travel  in  the  Old  World.  After  the  busy  but 
happy  days  at  the  capital  and  at  the  Exposition, 
and  visits  with  friends  in  the  Pennsylvania 
mountains,  they  stopped  at  Niagara  Falls,  and 
returned  home  to  rest  for  the  approaching  year 
of  college  work.  These  family  trips  were  always 
delightful,  as  he  was  an  excellent  manager  of 
details  of  travel,  and  most  kind  and  thoughtful  in 
his  care,  and  his  conversations  and  explanations 
based  on  his  own  experience  and  wide  reading 
added  much  to  the  enjoyment  and  educative 
benefit  of  the  journey.  In  inviting  the  older 
daughter  to  accompany  them  he  said,  '*  1  cannot 

18-t 


COLLEGE   PRESIDENCIES 

leave  much  money  for  my  children  and  wish  to 
do  all  1  can  for  their  happiness  while  they  live." 
She  was  not  able  to  go  on  this  occasion,  as  her 
family  were  about  to  move  to  Rio  Grande,  where 
her  husband,  Mr.  G.  A.  Slayton,  was  to  be  one 
of  the  teachers ;  but  remembers  as  one  of  her 
most  pleasant  memories  a  trip  with  her  father  to 
New  England  to  the  old  home  scenes. 

With  Rio  Grande  on  a  good  foundation  he 
could  now  give  more  time  to  the  theological  de- 
partment at  Hillsdale  and  to  general  denomina- 
tional interests.  He  was  always  in  demand  for 
dedication  of  churches.  In  1878  it  was  his  privi- 
lege to  re-dedicate  some  beautiful  churches  in 
Ohio  on  the  sites  of  log  schoolhouses  where  he 
had  preached  forty  years  before.  He  re-dedi- 
cated the  church  at  Rome  and  dedicated  a  new 
church  at  Lansing,  Mich.  At  the  latter  place  The 
Republican  characterizes  the  sermon  as  "mas- 
terly," and  tells  of  the  large  audience  that  heard 
it,  occupying  every  inch  of  available  room.  He 
was  also  a  popular  speaker  at  Sunday  School 
Institutes  and  temperance  meetings  and  other 
gatherings.  And  no  one  was  so  much  called  on 
for  funerals  in  the  town  and  vicinity  of  Hillsdale 

185 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

and  even  at  a  distance.  His  sympathetic  nature 
and  his  own  heart  experiences,  his  strong  faith 
and  sweet  spirit,  and  his  intimate  knowledge  of 
the  Bible,  made  him  a  most  helpful  friend  on 
such  occasions.  Much  of  the  time  he  was  sup- 
plying the  pulpit  at  Reading  or  other  towns  near 
Hillsdale.  And  his  occasional  leading  of  the 
students'  weekly  prayer  meeting  on  Tuesday 
evening  was  eagerly  anticipated.  He  felt  the 
importance  of  these  as  a  pivotal  centre  in  college 
life.  He  said  at  one  of  these  services,  *'  Talk  of 
influence;  this  hour,  this  single  hour,  once  a 
week,  does  more  to  influence  character  in  this 
college  than  any  ten  hours  besides."  For  sev- 
eral years  a  Western  Ministerial  Institute  was 
held  in  the  fall,  in  which  he  was  always  one  of 
the  lecturers. 

But  one  of  the  services  most  dear  to  him  was 
the  ordination  of  those  who  had  given  themselves 
to  the  Christian  ministry ;  and  those  who  had 
sat  under  his  teaching  in  theology,  or  had  been 
students  in  the  college  where  he  was  a  teacher, 
felt  it  a  great  privilege  to  have  his  hands  on  their 
heads  in  this  solemn  service.  One  young  man 
who  took  his  college  course  at  Hillsdale,  but  later 

186 


COLLEGE   PRESIDENCIES 


Professor  Ransom  Dunn,  D.D. 


1875- 


his  theology  in  a  school  of  another  denomina- 
tion, was  asked  when  about  to  enter  a  pastorate 
if  he  wished  re-ordination  or  a  special  service  by 
ministers  of  that  denomination.     His  quick  and 

187 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

decided  reply  was:  **No,  sir!  the  hands  of  the 
most  saintly  man  I  ever  knew  have  been  placed 
upon  my  head.  No  other  can  do  for  me  what 
Professor  Dunn  has  already  performed."  One 
well-remembered  occasion  of  this  character  was 
at  the  time  of  the  college  commencement  in  1880. 
On  the  evening  of  Baccalaureate  Sunday  he 
spoke  before  the  theological  school,  *'a  most 
eloquent,  powerful,  and  telling  discourse,"  from 
John  4  :  35,  "  Lift  up  your  eyes  and  look  on  the 
fields;  for  they  are  white  already  to  harvest." 
At  its  close  he  proceeded  with  the  ordination  of 
four  candidates  for  the  ministry,  Henry  M.  Ford, 
Dudley  E.  Clark,  William  A.  Myers,  and  Will  C. 
Burns.  Mr.  Clark  was  the  son  of  Rufus  Clark, 
one  of  Professor  Dunn's  early  converts,  an 
effective  minister  in  Ohio  and  Wisconsin.  The 
young  minister,  after  a  few  years  of  earnest 
labor,  went  to  meet  his  father  and  gain  the  re- 
ward of  the  Master.  Mr.  Myers  is  active  in  the 
denomination  to-day,  a  pastor  in  Cleveland;  Mr. 
Burns  is  still  preaching;  and  Mr.  Ford  is  the 
energetic  agent  of  the  Conference  Board. 

About  this  time  Professor  Dunn  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  break  his  right  arm,  and  it  was  sup- 

188 


COLLEGE   PRESIDENCIES 

posed  that  he  would  lay  aside  his  work  for  a 
time,  but  he  kept  his  appointments  as  usual, 
taking  his  daughter  to  drive  for  him  as  he  went 
to  weddings  or  funerals.  And  in  order  to  keep 
up  his  large  correspondence  he  learned  to  write 
with  his  left  hand,  which  was  not  an  easy  thing 
for  a  man  to  do  at  his  age  ;  and  his  lectures  were 
prepared  and  given  daily,  as  usual.  As  an  illus- 
tration of  the  busy  life  he  led  and  of  his  versatile 
talents,  take  the  record  of  ten  days  as  gleaned 
from  the  papers  of  that  date  —  a  temperance 
meeting  in  the  town,  a  funeral  on  the  Hill,  a 
lecture  at  a  Sunday  School  Institute  at  Hanover, 
an  address  at  a  Y.  M.  C.  A.  convention  at  Albion, 
and  one  at  a  Bible  Society  meeting  in  Coldwater. 
One  of  the  alumni  trustees,  E.  A.  Merrill,  said: 
*Mt  must  have  been  Professor  Dunn's  constant 
work  that  kept  him  young  in  spirit  as  well  as 
vigorous  in  mind  and  body.  Surely  no  one  could 
have  been  more  free  from  the  danger  of  rusting 
out."  He  was  sixty  years  old,  and  his  gray  hair 
told  that  story,  and  some  would  say  ''our  ven- 
erable professor";  but  his  quickstep  and  ener- 
getic speech  and  action  told  the  true  story  of  an 
active  brain  and  young  heart.     His  interest  was 

189 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

as  keen  as  ever  in  local  matters.  The  national 
championship  of  Hillsdale's  boating  crew  pleased 
him  exceedingly,  and  especially  as  reports  showed 
that  the  character  and  spirit  displayed  both  in 
this  country  and  in  Europe  were  as  commend- 
able as  the  rowing  was  successful. 

In  1880  the  Centennial  General  Conference 
met  at  Weirs,  N.  H.,  on  the  shore  of  the  beautiful 
Lake  Winnepesaukee.  Professor  Dunn  attended 
with  his  wife  and  two  daughters,  the  elder  of 
whom.  Miss  Helen,  as  well  as  himself,  was  to 
take  part  in  the  program.  A  report  of  the  meet- 
ings stated  that  ''Professor  Dunn  probably 
preached  the  ablest  sermon  of  his  life  at  this 
Conference  at  Weirs.  It  lent  dignity  to  the 
whole  denomination,  and  will  long  live  in  gra- 
cious memory."  One  of  the  most  interesting 
features  of  that  conference  was  the  ride  to  New 
Durham  to  visit  the  grave  of  Benjamin  Randall, 
the  founder  of  the  denomination,  and  the  house 
in  which  he  organized  the  first  Free  Baptist 
church.  This  house  had  been  built  one  hundred 
and  fifty  years  before,  but  was  well  preserved. 
The  large  front  room  occupied  by  Randall  and 
his  friends  on  that  occasion  had  still  the  same 

190 


COLLEGE   PRESIDENCIES 


1    -^ 

"^ 

/   ' 

» 

;.    '>.»m 

mm 

M 

PS. 4  H 

'-cn|fl^^^H|^^fl[[H 

nr   , 

■                     .  ._             ""     ■       --f. 

I 

Mrs.  Dunn.     1875. 


floor,  ''tree-nailed"  with  hard  wood  pegs,  as 
was  then  the  custom;  the  chair  and  table  that 
Father  Randall  used,  the  books  on  the  shelves 
and  other  relics  were  there.  A  minister  who 
was  present  says  he  ''can  never  forget  the 
solemn  meeting  in  that  spot.  Professor  Dunn 
was  asked  to  pray  in  this  room  of  hallowed  mem- 

191 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ories.  As  he  came  forward  he  said,  *  Randall 
kneeled  when  he  prayed,  let  us  kneel  and  pray,' 
and  the  outpouring  of  his  soul  in  thanksgiving 
and  praise  impressed  me  so  that  years  cannot 
efface  it." 

About  a  mile  away  is  the  cemetery  where  lie 
the  remains  of  the  Randall  family.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  plain  iron  fence,  and  in  the  centre 
is  the  marble  obelisk  that  marks  the  grave  of 
Benjamin  Randall.  A  collation  was  served  to 
the  delegates  in  a  grove  near  by,  where  a  tem- 
porary platform  had  been  erected.  Here  the 
meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Pres.  O.  B. 
Cheney  of  Bates  College,  the  moderator  of  the 
conference,  who  introduced  Prof.  Ransom  Dunn 
of  Hillsdale  College,  who  made  an  address  ap- 
propriate to  the  occasion.  One  of  the  younger 
ministers,  now  prominent  and  active  in  denomi- 
national interests.  Rev.  H.  M.  Ford,  says  that  in 
his  study  of  the  denomination  he  has  ''come  to 
feel  a  strong  attachment  amounting  almost  to  in- 
fatuation for  'the  fathers,'  their  pathetic  strug- 
gles and  wonderful  triumphs,  and  instinctively 
the  highest  seat  is  given  to  Ransom  Dunn  in  all 
that  glorious  company." 

192 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

One  of  his  first  services  on  liis  return  to  Hills- 
dale in  the  fall  was  to  officiate  at  the  funeral  of 
Hon.  Henry  Waldron,  president  of  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  college,  and  to  speak  at  a  memo- 
rial meeting  held  at  the  court  house.  It  was 
laid  on  his  heart  to  speak  to  the  relatives  about 
giving  to  the  college  a  suitable  memorial  that 
should  commemorate  Mr.  Waldron's  valuable 
services  in  the  establishment  of  the  college  at 
Hillsdale,  and  since  that  time  in  the  administra- 
tion of  its  affairs.  After  a  night  of  prayer  and 
thought  he  told  his  wife  that  he  felt  it  his  duty 
to  present  this  matter  to  Dr.  Waldron,  the 
brother  of  the  deceased,  who  was  a  Presbyterian 
minister.  He  made  an  appointment  to  meet  him 
at  the  bank  of  which  his  brother  had  been  the 
president.  Mr.  F.  M.  Stewart,  the  cashier,  who 
has  since  become  president,  was  present  and  re- 
members the  long  and  earnest  talk  these  two 
gentlemen  had,  and  the  interest  shown  by  Dr. 
Waldron  in  the  suggestion  of  Professor  Dunn, 
and  he  at  once  went  to  see  his  sister  and  sister- 
i.i-law  about  it.  In  a  short  time  the  prudential 
committee  was  called  together,  in  October,  1880, 
t3  meet  Dr.  Waldron,  at  "his  request.     They  sent 

193 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

for  Professor  Dunn  to  meet  with  them,  their 
records  say,  and  the  gift  of  fifteen  thousand  dol- 
lars was  received  for  a  '*  Waldron  Professorship." 

This  winter  occurred  the  marriage  of  his  sec- 
ond daughter.  The  oldest  daughter,  Abbie,  had 
married  in  April,  1873,  ^r.  George  A.  Slayton. 
Both  were  members  of  the  class  of  1872  in  Hills- 
dale College.  Helen  also  married  a  classmate. 
Dr.  L.  M.  Gates,  of  the  class  of  1876  at  Hills- 
dale, and  a  graduate  of  the  medical  department 
of  the  State  University  at  Ann  Arbor.  At  the 
time  of  her  marriage  in  1880  she  was  teaching  in 
the  college  at  Hillsdale,  and  he  was  superintend- 
ent of  the  city  hospital  in  Scranton,  Pa. 

Professor  Dunn's  services  at  the  college  church 
continued  to  be  blessed,  the  sermons  being 
forcible  and  eloquent,  the  baptismal  and  com- 
munion services  impressive.  The  baptistery  was 
not  yet  placed  in  the  church,  and  even  after  it 
was  built  some  preferred  the  outdoor  baptism. 
In  November  of  this  year  when  he  baptized  nine 
of  the  students  in  the  little  stream  west  of  the 
college  he  referred  to  the  large  number  it  had 
been  his  privilege  to  baptize  during  his  life,  and 
in  that  place  during  a  quarter  of  a  century.  As 
194 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

far  as  known  the  last  baptism  at  which  he  offici- 
ated was  tliat  of  his  eldest  grandchild,  William 
Ransom  Slayton,  in  1887,  during  a  vacation  visit 
at  Salem,  Neb.  During  the  later  years  of  his 
life  he  thought  best  to  give  this  service  to  younger 
ministers.  A  series  of  union  gospel  meetings  at 
the  court  house  Sunday  afternoons  during  the 
year  1880-81  had  a  wide  influence.  Two  of  the 
sermons  of  Professor  Dunn  at  this  time  are  still 
remembered  as  having  had  great  effect.  One 
was  a  ''masterly  portrayal  of  the  blessing  of 
good  habits  and  the  curse  of  evil  ones";  the 
other  was  on  *'the  religion  of  common  sense." 
The  Methodist  pastor  in  the  town  at  that  time 
was  Rev.  Mr.  Tarr,  who  assisted  greatly  in  these 
meetings.  His  daughter  Corabel  and  Professor 
Dunn's  daughter  Nettie  were  a  few  years  later  to 
be  associated  in  Christian  work  for  young 
women,  Miss  Dunn  being  the  first  traveling  sec- 
retary of  the  Young  Women's  Christian  Associa- 
tion and  Miss  Tarr  the  second,  and  both  being 
effective  speakers  and  energetic  workers. 

Professor  Dunn — or  Dr.  Dunn,  as  we  should 
now  call  him,  for  Bates  College  had  given  him 
the   well-earned   degree    in    1873,    ^^^   he   was 

195 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

known  by  this  title  abroad,  even  if  the  old  one 
clung  to  him  at  home  — had  been  appointed  a 
visiting  delegate  by  the  General  Conference  to 
the  Congregational  Council  at  St.  Louis,  which 
he  attended  in  November,  1880;  and  during  that 
winter  he  gave  several  lectures  in  Illinois  and 
Missouri.  His  work  in  the  college  was  more  ac- 
ceptable than  ever,  the  classes  in  doctrinal  the- 
ology being  the  largest  yet  seen  in  the  college. 
But  his  health  began  to  show  the  effect  of  con- 
tinued hard  work  and  of  the  severely  cold  winter, 
and  he  planned  a  summer  vacation  trip  to  Cali- 
fornia. Before  he  left  two  important  services 
were  his.  One  was  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Cressy, 
a  resident  of  the  city  for  thirty-seven  years,  the 
one  Professor  Dunn  first  talked  with  in  regard  to 
placing  the  college  at  Hillsdale,  and  the  one  to 
whom  the  faculty  and  trustees  looked  for  help  in 
getting  the  college  bill  through  the  legislature  in 
order  to  secure  their  charter. 

The  other  was  the  dedication  of  the  monu- 
ment to  the  memory  of  Rev.  Jeremiah  Phillips, 
D.D.,  one  of  the  first  Free  Baptist  missionaries 
to  India,  who  had  died  the  previous  year,  and  his 
monument  had  been   erected   by  ministers   and 

196 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

friends  in  the  denomination  under  the  auspices  of 
the  college  faculty.     This  monument   is  in   the 
beautiful  Oak  Grove  Cemetery,  north  of  the  col- 
lege grounds,  and  was   placed  between  that   of 
Prof.  F.  W.  Dunn  and  that  of  Prof.  Spencer  J. 
Fowler,  the  latter  having  been  erected  by  mem- 
bers of  the  class  of  1876  and  other  friends.     The 
remarks   of    Dr.    Dunn   on   this    occasion   were 
beautiful  and  touching,  as  he  recalled  the  labors 
of  this  consecrated  veteran  in  the  foreign  field. 
About  this  time  Dr.  Dunn  was  called  to  Goble- 
ville,   Mich.,  to  assist  in  special  meetings,   and 
had  the  privilege  of   baptizing  twenty-five  con- 
verts, one  of  whom  was  a  little  boy  ten  years  of 
age,  who  afterward  went  to  Hillsdale  for  a  college 
course,  and  remained   for   a   theological   course, 
and    Professor    Dunn    pronounced    him   one    of 
the   best   students  he  ever   had  in   his  classes. 
His  name  was  Harry  S.  Myers,  and  to-day  he  is 
the  energetic  secretary  of  the  United  Society  of 
the  Free    Baptist  young  people.     He  says  that 
ever  since  the  time  that  Professor  Dunn  led  him 
into  the  stream  he  had  been  his  "father,"  and 
"his  life  an  inspiration  "  to  him. 


197 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Travel  and  change  of  scene  were  always  a 
stimulus  to  the  overworked  body  and  wearied 
brain  of  Professor  Dunn,  and  the  mountains  and 
sea  especially  restful  to  him.  So  this  summer 
trip  to  the  Pacific  coast  was  a  much  enjoyed  one. 
The  wild  scenery  of  the  western  canons  brought 
to  his  mind  the  grandeur  of  the  Sinai  mountains ; 
Yosemite  recalled  the  beauty  of  Lebanon,  and 
called  forth  the  exclamation  of  the  Psalmist, 
''The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great,  sought  out  by 
all  them  that  have  pleasure  therein."  While 
away  for  rest  he  did  not  refuse  opportunities  for 
preaching,  for  he  supplied  the  pulpit  of  the 
Union  Square  church  in  San  Francisco  several 
Sabbaths,  and  preached  in  other  places,  as  the 
following  extract  from  the  Riverside  Press  shows  : 
"Prof.  Ransom  Dunn,  D.  D.,  of  Hillsdale  Col- 
lege, Mich.,  spoke  last  Sunday  in  the  Congrega- 
tional church  in  San  Bernardino.  Quite  a  num- 
ber went  up  from  Riverside,  some  traveling 
fifteen  miles  to  be  present.  Professor  Dunn  is 
one  of  the  most  eloquent  pulpit  orators  in  the 
United  States,  and  the  treat  was  a  rare  one,  never 
before  enjoyed  by  the  people  of  this  valley." 

198 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

The  much  loved  President  of  the  United  States"- 
was  by  the  eastern  sea  at  this  time  and  a  nation- 
watched  and  prayed  by  the  bedside  of  Garfield.- 
But  with  the  waning  days  of  summer  the  life 
went  out  and  a  nation  mourned.  Hillsdale  joined 
with  others  in  memorial  services,  and  none  more 
appropriately;  for,  as  Dr.  Ball  said,  "if  there 
had  been  no  Geauga  Seminary  from  which  to 
send  out  a  teacher,  S.  D.  Bates,  to  teach  in  Gar- 
field's school  district  and  urge  James  Garfield  to 
go  to  school,  if  there  had  been  no  Geauga  Semi- 
nary at  Chester  Hill,  five  miles  from  his  home, 
to  which  he  could  go  in  his  poverty  and  there 
find  help  and  encouragement,  there  would  have 
been  no  General  Garfield,  no  President  Garfield. 
He  was  one  of  the  early  fruits  of  Free  Baptist 
sacrifice  in  the  cause  of  Christian  education." 
And  Geauga  Seminary  was  now  a  part  of  Hills- 
dale College,  and  so  it  was  eminently  fitting  that 
Ransom  Dunn,  who  helped  to  found  both,  should 
speak  at  the  Garfield  memorial  service.  The 
suggestion  was  made  by  citizens  that  the  remain- 
ing one  of  the  group  of  five  buildings  be  erected 
and  named  "  Garfield  Hall."  But  it  is  still  wait- 
ing for  some  good  friend  of  Garfield  or  of  the  col- 

199 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

lege  to  give  the  necessary  sum  to  erect  and  equip 
it,  which  we  trust  may  soon  be  done,  for  the 
college  needs  to-day  as  much  as  then  more  build- 
ings, better  equipment,  and  larger  endowment. 

In  the  spring  of  1882  Dr.  Dunn  was  called  to 
Storer  College  at  Harper's  Ferry  to  dedicate 
Anthony  Hall.  At  the  Hillsdale  commencement 
he  gave  the  address  on  class  day,  when  the  gradu- 
ating class  presented  to  the  college  a  fountain  for 
the  front  campus.  To  this  class  belonged  Dr. 
Dunn's  youngest  child,  Nettie.  The  summer 
saw  him  back  among  the  mountains  of  Vermont, 
and  at  the  seashore,  where  he  delivered  a  course 
of  lectures  at  the  Ocean  Park  Assembly  at  Old 
Orchard  Beach,  Maine.  A  visitor  remarked  that 
Dr.  Dunn  seemed  to  have  ^'the  lion's  share  of 
the  honors  on  this  occasion."  The  lectures  were 
evidently  appreciated,  for  before  he  left  the  man- 
agement tried  to  exact  a  promise  that  he  would 
return  the  following  season. 

He  had  decided  to  resign  his  place  in  the  col- 
lege, feeling  that  younger  men  should  be  taking 
up  the  burden  of  active  work  there,  and  he 
hoped  to  be  able  to  do  something  in  building  up 
denominational  interests  in  the  newer  West.  At 
200 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

the  trustee  meeting  in  1883,  when  he  tendered 
his  resignation,  reports  the  Hillsdale //^r^/^,  '*a 
complimentary  resolution  was  passed  by  a  rising 
vote  in  recognition  of  his  labors  in  and  for  the 
college  for  thirty-one  years.  At  the  chapel  the 
following  morning  he  was  surprised  by  a  presen- 
tation of  a  set  of  McClintock  and  Strong's  Re- 
ligious Encyclopedia,  in  library  binding,  as  a 
mark  of  appreciation  from  faculty  and  students. 
One  of  the  theological  students,  D.  B.  Reed, 
presented  an  album  containing  the  photographs 
of  the  donors.  Hon.  J.  C.  Patterson  handed 
him  a  purse  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  dollars 
as  a  token  of  esteem  from  the  trustees.  In  re- 
sponse to  these  unexpected  remembrances,  he 
attempted  a  cheerful  manner,  but  when  he  re- 
ferred to  his  service  for  the  college  and  the  ties 
that  bound  him  to  Hillsdale  he  was  nearly  over- 
come with  emotion  and  many  an  eye  moistened." 
A  local  paper  mentioned  his  retirement  as  "an 
event  in  college  history,  for  he  had  been  so  long 
a  representative  man  of  the  college  and  denomi- 
nation." Another  stated  that  he  "sustained 
such  a  relation  to  the  public  and  especially  to  the 
201 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

denomination  through  all  the  years  of  his  long 
connection  with  the  college  that  made  his  work 
indispensable." 

He  attended  the  General  Conference  in  the 
fall  of  1883  at  Minneapolis  and  was  elected  mod- 
erator. After  a  year's  absence  in  Nebraska, 
when  he  returned  to  attend  the  trustee  meeting 
pressure  was  brought  to  bear  upon  him  to  mduce 
him  to  return  to  Hillsdale.  It  was  felt  that  even 
if  he  did  no  teaching  his  presence  and  influence 
were  invaluable,  and  if  he  could  be  prevailed 
upon  to  again  assist  in  raising  endowment  he 
**  could  do  more  to  secure  funds  and  keep  open 
channels  of  acquaintance  and  sympathy  between 
the  public  and  the  college  than  any  other  man." 
So  he  concluded  to  return.  A  letter  from  Nebraska, 
in  August,  1884,  says  :  *'Our  furniture  and  house 
are  sold,  books  and  clothes  packed,  and  we  are 
spending  our  last  night  in  this  camp.  I  am  ex- 
pecting to  attend  a  quarterly  meeting  one  hundred 
miles  west  next  Sabbath,  and  next  week  go  back 
to  Hillsdale.  This  seems  to  be  a  sudden  and  sin- 
gular move.  But  we  do  not  see  any  special  advan- 
tage here  in  regard  to  health.  I  am  not  able  to 
do  the  kind  of  itinerant  revival  work  needed  in 
202 


^*'*&^^mtB''9^^^K^^Bm^^^ 

.    ';r#y_"-»» 

li  .JM*;^;'r. 

S^»^^^^^>^^^;^^g 

The  home  in  Hillsdale. 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

this  State.  The  trustees  were  unanimous  and 
seemingly  anxious  for  my  return  to  the  college, 
where  it  is  thought  1  can  still  be  of  service."  A 
temporary  home  was  secured  on  Union  Street, 
while  his  new  house  was  being  built  on  Hillsdale 
Street.  This  modest,  comfortable  home,  which 
he  retained  as  long  as  he  lived,  was  on  the  site 
of  one  of  the  oldest  houses  on  College  Hill,  the 
original  home  of  Dr.  C.  C.  Johnson. 

The  resignation  of  the  president  of  the  college 
had  been  handed  in  at  the  trustee  meeting  to 
take  effect  in  January.  They  urged  Professor 
Dunn  to  accept  the  position.  He  consented  to 
act  for  the  remainder  of  the  year.  The  college 
has  not  had  a  long  list  of  presidents.  Rev.  E.  B. 
Fairfield  was  president  from  the  opening  of  the 
college  at  Hillsdale  until  1869.  He  was  a  man  of 
executive  ability,  an  eloquent  speaker  and  popu- 
lar teacher.  He  became  chancellor  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Nebraska  and  United  States  consul 
to  France.  Dr.  James  Calder  of  Harrisburg  suc- 
ceeded him  and  resigned  to  accept  the  presidency 
of  State  College  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1871  the 
scholarly  D.  M.  Graham,  who  had  been  the  presi- 
dent at   Spring  Arbor,  again  became  president. 

203 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Dr.  D.  W.  C.  Durgin  in  1874  entered  upon  a 
term  of  service  of  eleven  years,  and  has  since 
been  engaged  in  the  labors  of  a  New  England 
pastor.  Space  will  not  permit  us  to  tell  of  the 
able  administration  of  these  cultured  men,  nor  of 
the  equally  able  work  of  the  talented  and  conse- 
crated teachers  who  labored  with  them.  Our 
story  is  of  the  senior  professor  who  now  became 
president.  Old  students  and  former  members  of 
the  faculty  received  the  news  of  his  election  to 
the  presidency  with  great  satisfaction,  feeling  it  a 
deserved  honor.  Prof.  George  McMillan  of  the 
State  University  of  Nebraska  wrote:  "  It  is  indeed 
gratifying  to  me  that  my  dear  friend  and  old-time 
yoke-fellow  is  at  the  helm.  With  a  united  fac- 
ulty under  his  administration  the  college  cannot 
but  prosper."  The  papers  of  the  State  reported 
the  fact  with  complimentary  notices  of  his  record 
and  of  his  popularity  at  home  and  abroad. 

Among  the  interesting  events  of  his  adminis- 
tration was  the  opening  of  the  new  Dickerson 
Gymnasium,  the  first  college  gymnasium  building 
in  the  State.  President  Dunn  made  an  address 
on  this  occasion  and  other  interesting  speeches 
were   given,   and   great  enthusiasm   was   mani- 

204 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

fested.  A  pleasant  visit  was  enjoyed  with  his 
brother,  Rev.  L.  A.  Dunn,  D.D.,  who  had  been 
for  some  years  the  president  of  Pella  College, 
Iowa.  He  gave  a  lecture  in  Hillsdale  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Christian  Associations  in  the  col- 
lege on  "Scenes  in  the  Orient,"  illustrated  by 
ten  oriental  costumes  and  other  curios.  Dr. 
Dunn  had  made  two  extensive  journeys  in  the 
Holy  Land  and  is  the  author  of  a  book  entitled 
''Footprints  of  the  Redeemer." 

The  largest  baccalaureate  audience  ever  seen 
in  the  college  church  assembled  to  hear  President 
Ransom  Dunn's  sermon  to  the  graduating  class  of 
1885,  on  the  relations  of  Christianity  to  civiliza- 
tion, from  Daniel  2:  44.  One  report  said  :  "It 
is  only  commonplace  to  say  that  for  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  Professor  Dunn  has  been 
the  idol  of  hundreds  of  the  students,  but  for  the 
first  time  in  college  history  this  teacher,  whose 
thirty  years  of  brilliant  service  dwarfs  the  record 
of  all  other  servants  of  the  college,  gives  the 
baccalaureate  and  presides  at  commencement  as 
president." 

The  college  was  honored  on  commencement 
day  by  the  presence  of  Gov.  Alger,  accompanied 

205 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

by  a  suite  of  distinguished  gentlemen  and  ladies, 
who  came  on  a  special  train  from  Lansing  to  at- 
tend the  exercises  at  Hillsdale  even  though  the 
Legislature  was  in  session.  When  President 
Dunn  introduced  him,  the  Governor  said  :  "Hills- 
dale ranks  among  the  foremost  of  educational 
institutions.  Its  connection  with  the  war  that 
saved  our  nation  is  a  most  honorable  record." 
State  Supt.  Nelson  of  the  Governor's  staff  also 
spoke,  and  referred  to  his  own  former  connection 
with  Hillsdale  College,  and  paid  a  tribute  to 
President  Dunn  '*so  delicately  winged  with  love 
and  veneration  for  his  old  teacher  that  many  an 
eye  grew  moist,"  and  the  president  found  tears 
on  his  face  as  the  memories  of  those  days  before 
the  war  were  brought  back  to  him.  The  chap- 
lain of  the  day  was  Ex-President  Fairfield,  and 
Ex-President  Durgin  also  had  a  place  on  the  plat- 
form. 

It  was  the  year  of  the  quinquennial  reunion  of 
the  alumni,  and  the  climax  of  the  interest  of 
commencement  week  was  this  gathering  of  old 
students  and  friends  for  their  literary  exercises 
and  banquet.  For  the  first  time  since  fame  had 
honored  him  as  the  poet  of  the  people  Will  Carle- 

206 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

ton  came  back  to  his  alma  mater  to  give  an 
alumni  poem,  "Our  March  through  the  Past." 
At  the  banquet  President  Dunn  was  called  on  for 
a  toast,  and  said  he  wished  to  simply  give  a 
prophecy,  ''From  this  body  of  men  and  women 
and  their  successors,  the  loyal  alumni,  shall  come 
the  benefactions  that  shall  make  Hillsdale  College 
great  and  eternal."  The  publication  of  a  college 
paper  called  The  Reunion,  to  announce  the  meet- 
ings in  connection  with  this  interesting  com- 
mencement season,  was  enjoyed  by  many  who 
could  not  be  present.  It  was  continued  the  fol- 
lowing year  as  The  Advance,  and  published  a 
series  of  articles  on  the  founders  of  the  college. 
The  board  of  trustees  did  not  elect  another  presi- 
dent, though  President  Dunn  urged  that  his  ser- 
vice be  considered  closed  with  the  year.  He  was 
asked  to  continue  to  act  as  president  until  such 
time  as  the  committee  to  whom  the  matter  was 
referred  should  make  satisfactory  recommenda- 
tion. 

The  summer  was  spent  in  New  England,  for, 
as  his  wife  said,  "a  change  does  him  so  much 
good;  in  fact,  that  is  the  only  way  he  lives,  for 
he  will  take  neither  rest  nor  medicine  until  really 

207 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

obliged  to."  At  the  Ocean  Park  Assembly  he 
was  again  one  of  the  lecturers,  and  had  also  the 
privilege  of  introducing  Will  Carleton,  the  poet, 
on  his  first  appearance  there,  which  he  did  by 
calling  him  ''one  of  my  boys."  Mr.  Carleton 
in  his  response  referred  to  Hillsdale  College  and 
to  President  Dunn,  saying  he  knew  ''no  one 
more  fitted  to  fill  a  president's  chair."  "Ida 
Hazelton"  in  reporting  the  sessions  for  a  Boston 
paper  said:  "Dr.  Dunn's  lectureship  at  Old 
Orchard  is  as  popular  as  ever,  his  words  as 
eagerly  listened  to  on  every  topic  as  in  former 
years.  At  the  close  of  each  lecture  questions 
come  from  all  sides  and  we  learn  what  a  remark- 
ably ready  man  he  is  on  almost  every  subject. 
'I  don't  know'  or  'I  can't  answer'  are  words 
which  to  him  must  be  contained  in  a  foreign  lan- 
guage." 

With  the  autumn  he  again  resumed  the  duties 
of  president,  but  his  wife  used  to  write  to  the 
daughters  it  was  "too  much  care  for  him,  he 
could  not  stand  it  long."  When  friends  wrote  of 
their  gratification  at  his  remaining  in  the  position 
he  would  reply  modestly  that  he  felt  his  lack  of 
qualifications  for  the  office  and  also  dreaded  the 

208 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

probable  effect  of  the  nervous  strain.  But  the 
large  attendance  during  these  two  years  and  ex- 
cellent work  of  the  school  should  have  been  a 
source  of  satisfaction  to  him  as  well  as  to  his 
friends.  And  the  financial  aid  he  was  able  to 
render  was  a  great  encouragement  to  the  trus- 
tees. It  had  been  his  privilege  to  secure  over 
fifty  thousand  dollars  of  the  previous  endowment. 
This  year  the  treasurer  reported  '*  the  gift  of  480 
acres  of  land  worth  eight  thousand  dollars,  with 
four  hundred  dollars  in  cash  from  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith  of  Nebraska,  a  gift  of  one  thousand  dol- 
lars from  Mr.  DeWolf  of  Illinois,  five  hundred 
dollars  from  Chagrin  Falls  church  and  two  hun- 
dred dollars  from  C.  D.  Roys,  all  obtained 
through  President  Dunn,"  thus  making  over  ten 
thousand  dollars  which  he  added  that  year  to  the 
permanent  endowment.  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  and 
wife  were  converted  under  the  preaching  of  Elder 
Dunn  in  Ohio,  and  had  always  been  dear  friends 
of  his,  and  helpers  in  denominational  enterprises, 
and  were  anxious  to  devote  their  income  to  the 
cause  of  Christian  education.  This  gift  made 
possible  the  Smith  professorship  of  metaphysics 
in  the  theological  department. 

209 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

A  typical  vacation  followed  this  year  of  hard 
work ;  it  included  a  series  of  lectures  in  a  minis- 
terial institute  at  Lincoln,  the  dedication  of 
churches  at  Long  Pine,  Neb.,  and  Cuba  and 
Blocker,  Kansas,  a  quarterly  meeting  one  Sab- 
bath, an  ordination  the  next,  all  during  a  season 
of  extremely  hot  weather.  At  the  institute  he 
delivered  fourteen  lectures,  on  the  Divine  gov- 
ernment, on  human  nature  and  depravity,  and  on 
personal  qualifications  and  duties  of  ministers. 
A  letter  from  the  State  evangelist  of  Nebraska 
thus  expressed  the  appreciation  of  his  services 
during  this  month  :  ''I  cannot  speak  in  too  high 
terms  of  the  excellent  services  rendered  by  our 
beloved  friend,  Dr.  Dunn,  in  his  able  and  in- 
structive lectures.  All  unite  in  expressing  grati- 
tude for  so  pleasant  and  profitable  a  treat,  one 
not  often  enjoyed  by  us  frontier  ministerial 
tramps.  But  we  know  how  to  appreciate  such 
masterly  productions,  and  no  one  knows  better 
how  to  deliver  them  than  he,  although  it  seemed 
sometimes  the  intensity  of  the  heat  would  over- 
come him.  Conference  voted  him  a  small  sum 
for  his  services  which  would  no  more  than  pay 

210 


COLLEGE  PRESIDENCIES 

his  traveling  expenses,  all  of  which  he  gener- 
ously donated  toward  the  completion  of  the 
church." 

In  the  fall  he  was  back  in  the  college,  and  in 
his  old  place  in  the  professor's  chair,  where  he 
felt  more  at  home.  A  new  president  had  been 
found  in  the  person  of  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Mosher,  a 
former  editor  of  The  Morning  Star,  and  United 
States  consul  to  France  and  Germany,  a  cultured 
Christian  gentleman.  His  wife  is  a  daughter  of 
Rev.  1.  D.  Stewart.  Rev.  C.  D.  Dudley,  who 
had  been  elected  to  the  Burr  Professorship  on  the 
retirement  of  Professor  Dunn,  had  died  in  the 
summer  of  1886,  and  Professor  Dunn  was  at 
once  asked  to  again  take  the  position. 


21: 


X 


TEACHER,   PREACHER,  AUTHOR  —  THE  WINTER  IN 
CALIFORNIA  —  ALONE 

The  year  1886  saw  a  great  temperance  agita- 
tion in  Michigan  on  the  question  of  constitutional 
amendment.  Professor  Dunn  was  called  repeat- 
edly to  speak,  and  his  clear  and  able  addresses 
were  well  received.  But  his  time  was  largely 
given  to  his  teaching  in  the  theological  depart- 
ment, the  work  which  he  had  come  to  feel  was  a 
God-given  and  important  one  —  to  help  to  fit 
young  men  to  preach  the  everlasting  Gospel.  His 
method  of  teaching  was  the  lecture  system.  He 
did  not  write  out  his  lectures  in  full  and  dictate 
them  to  the  students,  but  gave  them  from  full 
outlines  which  he  expected  the  students  to  take 
down  in  their  note-books,  and  also  as  many  of  the 
illustrations  as  possible.  It  must  not  be  inferred 
that  because  he  lectured  on  the  same  subjects  in 
successive  years  and  did  not  write  the  lectures  in 
212 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

full,  that  he  did  not  spend  much  time  in  study 
and  preparation.  The  course  of  lectures  was 
practically  prepared  fresh  each  year,  for  he  looked 
over  his  own  notes,  read  all  books  available  on 
the  subjects  discussed,  kept  up  with  current 
thought  in  religious  papers  and  magazines,  and 
was  constantly  studying  how  he  might  best  pre- 
sent the  truths  of  God  and  the  duties  of  the  min- 
istry in  the  light  of  the  revealed  Word  and  the 
needs  of  the  world. 

His  unfailing  source  of  inspiration  was  the 
Bible.  Every  argument  advanced  was  proved  by 
reference  to  Scripture,  and  the  students  were 
expected  to  verify  all  these  passages  and  proofs. 
He  prepared  as  carefully  for  a  class  in  pastoral  | 
theology  or  homiletics  as  for  a  large  audience  in  a 
public  service,  and  some  of  his  lectures  on  sys- 
tematic theology  were  given  with  a  vigor  and 
earnestness  and  depth  of  feeling  that  thrilled 
those  who  heard  them. 

A  student  who  took  his  theological  course  at 
Hillsdale  says  of  Professor  Dunn:  "The  secret 
of  his  wonderful  success  with  young  men  was  his 
full  trust  in  God,  and  that  God  had  called  these 
young  men  to  preach  the  Word,  and  he  had  been 

213 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

given  the  blessed  privilege  of  training  them  for 
their  great  calling.  He  was  a  man  of  strong  con- 
victions, with  a  childlike  faith  —  unbounded 
faith  —  in  God's  Word.  Never  did  a  student  go 
out  of  Dr.  Dunn's  classes  with  a  doubt  as  to  the 
Word  of  God."  Another  wrote  to  Professor 
Dunn  :  "After  studying  under  you  for  a  time  the 
truth  seemed  to  be  priceless,  and  obedience  to  it 
the  one  thing  desirable."  His  suggestions  in 
regard  to  methods  of  study  and  plans  for  work 
were  sensible  and  practical.  One  who  was  in 
his  class  for  a  time  tells  how  Professor  Dunn's 
words  made  him  a  student,  when  he  said  one 
day:  **  Young  gentlemen,  you  study  sixteen  hours 
to  do  the  work  of  four,  because  your  minds  are 
not  disciplined  and  your  habits  formed  to  study." 
This  young  man  determined  to  see  if  this  were 
so,  and  he  formed  the  habits  of  concentration  of 
thought  and  close  attention,  which  were  a  life- 
long benefit,  helping  him  at  all  times  to  do  his 
best. 

But  it  was  the  personal  magnetism  of  the  man 
himself  and  the  example  of  his  daily  life  that 
most  impressed  his  students.  A  minister  wrote 
of  his  old  teacher  and  friend:  *M  remember  one 

214 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

day  he  came  into  the  class-room  straight  from  his 
closet,  with  his  face  shining  and  his  eyes  wet  with 
tears,  and  said,  *  I  have  no  lesson  to  teach  you 
to-day  save  the  lesson  of  the  cross  of  Christ,' 
and  then  he  held  up  Christ  until  our  hearts  melted 
within  us  and  we  made  new  resolutions  to  devote 
our  lives  to  Him."  It  was  this  vision  of  the 
Christ  reflected  in  the  face  of  their  beloved 
teacher  that  sent  young  men  and  women  out 
into  devoted  service. 

A  volume  could  be  filled  with  testimonies  to 
this  fact,  such  as  this  from  Rev.  F.  L.  Hayes: 
"  Mine  was  one  of  the  many  inspired  by  his  in- 
struction and  helpfully  influenced  by  his  magnetic 
example."  Or  this  from  Rev.  G.  R.  Holt:  "  My 
most  helpful  memories  of  college  are  of  my  es- 
teemed, revered,  and  much  loved  teacher  and 
friend,  Professor  Dunn,  who  put  his  whole  soul 
into  helping  his  pupils  to  be  patient,  persevering, 
sympathetic,  diligent,  orderly,  kind,  and  cheerful, 
and  to  have  in  store  a  fund  of  common  sense  for 
life's  work.  During  all  these  years  this  influ- 
ence has  been  more  valuable  to  me  than  could 
wealth,  honor,  or  even  health,  as  it  aided  so  ma- 
terially  in   my   efforts   to  be  Christlike."     The 

215 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

feeling  of  his  students  for  their  teacher  is  tersely 
put  by  one  who  is  now  pastor  of  an  important 
city  church  :  *M  was  impressed,  as  all  his  students 
were,  with   his  keen  insight  into  religious  truth, 
his  interest  in  his  students,  and  most  of  all  with 
his  own  vigorous  religious  life,  and  my  own  life 
has  been  enriched  by  his  teaching  and  example." 
The  year  passed  rapidly,  filled  with  service  for 
the  college  and  numerous  other  demands,  and  the 
spring  found  him  with  frequent  attacks  of  nervous 
prostration,  which   Mrs.   Dunn    called    ''  sinking 
spells."     But  the  vacation  trip  to  the  New  Eng- 
land  mountains    and   the  sea   gave  the   needed 
stimulus  for  another  year's   work.     During  this 
year  he  secured  another  endowment  fund  for  the 
college  from  an  old  friend  in  Illinois,  Mrs.  Mary  P. 
DeWolf .     She  can  best  tell  how  it  was  herself : 
"  After  my  husband's  death  I  wrote  to  Professor 
Dunn  asking  him   where    I    could   place   money 
where  it  would  do  the  most  good  in  our  denomina- 
tion, as  I  had  some  to  spare  and  I  wanted  it  to  do 
good   somewhere.     Professor  Dunn  came  to  see 
me  and  talked  over   the  matter,  and   suggested 
that  I  give  fifteen  thousand  dollars  toward  a  De- 
Wolf    Theological    Professorship.     My   husband 

216 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

had  given  one  thousand  dollars,  and  1  added  to  this 
amount  enouo^h  to  make  up  the  fifteen  thousand 
dollars.  Then  I  requested  that  Professor  Dunn 
have  the  income  from  the  fund  to  pay  him  for 
teaching  in  the  college,  as  long  as  he  was  able  to 
work.  After  this  I  gave  one  thousand  dollars  to 
help  educate  men  for  the  Gospel  ministry,  and 
one  thousand  dollars  for  the  Dunn  Professorship." 
Thus  was  established  in  1888  the  "  DeWolf  Pro- 
fessorship of  Homiletics,"  which  was  the  last 
chair  occupied  by  Professor  Dunn.  One  who  had 
known  him  for  many  years  said  at  this  time,  *'  I 
think  every  year  will  be  the  last,  but  he  seems 
to  be  doing  his  work  as  well  as  ever,  and  raising 
more  money  than  others." 

As  a  delegate  to  the  General  Baptist  Associa- 
tion he  went  to  Missouri,  in  October,  1888,  and 
visited  some  of  their  churches  by  request.  He 
wrote  home  that  in  some  places  he  realized  that 
he  was  "down  South,  by  the  houses,  customs, 
and  cooking,"  and  he  found  "too  little  education 
and  too  much  malaria."  He  passed  through  the 
region  of  the  iron  and  lead  mines,  which  he  stud- 
ied with  interest.  Thanksgiving  Day  brought 
him  a  shock  in  the  news  of  the  sudden  death  of 

217 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

his  brother  Lewis,  at  Pella,  Iowa,  who  at  the  close 
of  the  family  dinner  had  fallen  by  the  side  of  his 
son-in-law,  a  physician.  The  son  and  daughter 
took  the  body  to  Vermont  to  place  it  at  the  old 
home,  where  two  children  were  buried.  The 
town  of  Fairfax  turned  out  en  masse  to  meet  them, 
for  they  loved  him  as  a  father,  and  from  surround- 
ing towns  came  many  friends.  Professor  Dunn 
met  the  funeral  party  as  they  went  through  Hills- 
dale, and  accompanied  them  to  Vermont.  "  This 
leaves  me,"  said  he,  "the  last  one  of  eleven 
children." 

After  holidays  he  and  his  wife  spent  some  time 
in  Florida.  They  first  visited  Jacksonville,  where 
he  found  "half  the  population  of  35,(XX)  and 
three-fourths  of  the  Christians  of  the  city  were 
colored."  He  attended  service  in  a  colored 
Baptist  church  whose  membership  was  1200. 

Friends  here  and  at  St.  Augustine  were  glad  ta 
see  him,  and  the  climate  was  very  agreeable.  A 
painful  eczema  of  the  hands,  which  for  years  had 
been  a  constant  source  of  pain  and  annoyance^ 
disappeared  entirely,  and  Mrs.  Dunn  had  none  of 
the  rheumatism  which  had  recently  annoyed  her. 
He  wrote  to  a  daughter,  "  Your  mother  is  almost 

218 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

girlish;  I  haven't  seen  her  so  lively  for  years." 
The  oranges  were  delicious,  and  his  wife  thought 
he  would  succumb  to  the  temptation  to  buy  an 
orange  grove.  But  he  had  promised  to  visit  the 
Southern  Free  Baptists  of  Georgia  and  Alabama, 
and  so  left  the  land  of  oranges  and  fragrant  jessa- 
mine in  March. 

"  A  delay  of  thirty  hours  in  a  fifth-rate  tavern 
in  the  mud  upon  the  banks  of  the  Chattahoochee 
river,  waiting  for  a  boat,  the  leaving  of  the  boat 
in  the  rain  in  the  early  morning,  and  spending 
the  forenoon  in  an  old  warehouse  three  miles  from 
anywhere,  waiting  until  two  o'clock  for  breakfast, 
furnished  a  preface  to  our  brief  work  in  the  State 
of  Georgia.  Though  forty  miles  above  the 
Florida  line  we  are  still  upon  the  sand,  which  is 
sold  for  $1.00  an  acre  with  the  pines  uncleared, 
and  where  they  raise  from  ten  to  twenty-five 
bushels  of  corn  to  the  acre,  and  one  bale  of  cot- 
ton on  six  acres.  The  people  are  poor ;  they  live 
in  *  mighty  '  poor  houses,  but  are  hospitable  and 
do  everything  *  right  smart  '  ;  some  of  them  do 
seem  'mighty'  ignorant;  but  they  are  good- 
hearted  and  seemingly  without  prejudice  towards 
a  Northern  man,  and  show  all  the  interest  in  his 

219 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

preaching  that  could  be  asked.  If  I  were  young 
I  could  get  a  mule  and  ride  over  the  country,  as  1 
did  in  Ohio,  with  good  heart  and  faith." 

He  was  glad  to  find  little  race  bitterness,  but 
sorry  to  see  the  undiminished  race  distinctions. 
There  were  signs  of  improvement,  but  much  need 
of  help  in  homes  and  schools  and  habits  of  life. 
The  modes  of  living  and  cooking  were  such  that 
he  soon  became  ill,  and  the  weather  was  cold 
and  rainy,  so  the  return  trip  home  was  has- 
tened, concluding  that  his  ''wife  was  right,  as 
usual,"  and  that  he  was  "  too  old  to  do  mission- 
ary work  in  the  South." 

When  they  reached  home  they  found  several 
old  residents  had  died  during  their  absence,  and 
letters  told  of  the  death  of  an  old  friend,  Mrs. 
Daniel  Branch,  a  former  teacher  in  Geauga  Sem- 
inary, whom  Professor  Dunn  always  said  was 
''one  of  the  best  of  women."  And  the  sudden 
death  of  Rev.  D.  H.  Lord,  a  former  resident  of 
Hillsdale,  and  father  of  Rev.  R.  D.  Lord  of  Brook- 
lyn, brought  sadness  to  many  hearts.  The  fu- 
neral was  held  at  the  home  of  Dr.  Dunn,  which 
was  always  open  for  old  neighbors  whose  friends 
wished  to  have  them  rest  in  the  Hillsdale  ceme- 
tery. 

220 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

When  asked  what  were  his  plans  for  the  next 
summer  vacation  he  replied  :   "  About  as  usual  — 
the  last  Sabbath  of  July  a  dedication  in  Illinois, 
the  first  Sabbath  of  August  another  dedication, 
and  another  the  second  Sabbath  ;  at  Keuka  Lake 
Assembly  the  next,  and  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting  the 
last.     There  is  also   an  invitation   for   a  Baptist 
Association    in  Illinois  the  first  Sabbath  of   Sep- 
tember."    The  General  Conference  of  1889  was 
held  at  Harper's  Ferry,  and  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Dunn 
attended.     It   was  his   duty  as  chairman   of  the 
committee  on  the  ministry  to  read  the  obituary 
list.     It  was  a  long  one  that  year,  nearly  eighty 
who  had  passed  away  during  the  three  years.     It 
affected  him    much,  for  with  most   of  them    he 
was  personally   acquainted   and   some  were   his 
intimate  friends,  and  among   these   were    many 
who  had   labored    with   him    in   his    early  days. 
Some  of  the  delegates  took  a  trip  to  Gettysburg 
and  rode  over  the  battlefield  with  its  many  monu- 
ments, a  visit  always  held  in  pleasant  memory  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dunn.     The  summer  trip  of  1890 
brought  them  to  Boston  at  the  time  of  the  G.  A. 
R.    Encampment,  when    ''a   procession  of  forty 
thousand   men  and  over  one  hundred  and   fifty 
221 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

thousand  visitors  crowded  the  city."  It  reminded 
him  of  the  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales,  while  he 
was  pastor  in  Boston,  when  the  whole  city  and 
vicinity  turned  out  to  do  honor  to  the  future  king 
of  England,  the  present  King  Edward. 

The  constant  calls  for  a  volume  which  should 
include  some  of  Dr.  Dunn's  theological  lectures 
were  at  last  heeded,  and  he  gave  all  the  time  he 
could  spare  from  regular  work  during  the  winter 
of  1889-90  to  the  preparation  of  a  series  of  lec- 
tures on  systematic  theology.  The  Morning  Star 
Publishing  House  had  proposed  to  issue  another 
edition  of  Professor  Butler's  "Theology,"  and  it 
was  decided  to  combine  the  two  in  one  and  make 
it  a  standard  work  in  theology.  Dr.  Dunn  en- 
gaged a  stenographer  to  whom  he  could  dictate 
and  who  would  prepare  type-written  copy.  In 
the  spring  the  manuscript  went  to  the  publisher. 
The  work  is  a  large  volume  of  467  pages,  with 
nine  chapters,  treating  of  the  nature  and  attrib- 
utes of  God,  the  necessity  and  authority  of 
Scripture  revelation,  man's  origin  and  destiny, 
Divine  government,  sin  and  atonement,  repent- 
ance, faith  and  regeneration,  of  the  church  and 
its  institutions,  of  resurrection  and  the  future 
222 


The  Study  Window. 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

State.  While  of  practical  use  to  ministers  and 
teachers  it  is  of  equal  interest  to  the  general 
reader  and  individual  Bible  student.  Professor 
Dunn  had  another  volume  almost  ready  for  the 
printer,  on  "  Practical  Theology,"  which  would  be 
of  great  value  to  Christian  workers. 

After  the  completion  of  the  "  Systematic  The- 
ology "  a  summer  trip  to  Vermont  and  Maine  gave 
the  needed  rest.  But  Dr.  Butler  had  taken  a 
longer  rest  in  a  more  beautiful  country,  having 
been  suddenly  called  home  in  June.  It  was  with 
a  strange  presentiment  that  Mrs.  Dunn  wrote  to 
one  of  her  daughters  soon  after:  "I  am  afraid 
your  father  will  go  just  as  Professor  Butler  did." 
But  that  end  was  not  yet.  He  was  still  able  to 
preach,  for  he  wrote  to  a  friend,  ''  I  rode  in  mud 
and  rain  twenty  miles  in  a  buggy  and  preached 
twice  yesterday  and  am  quite  comfortable  to- 
day." The  summer  that  he  was  seventy-five 
years  old  he  had  another  of  his  characteristic 
vacations,  of  which  this  was  a  specimen  week  : 
"Preached  at  Jackson  on  Sunday,  attended  a 
funeral  at  Allen  Tuesday,  and  another  in  Hills- 
dale the  next  day,  and  have  an  appointment  at 
Pittsford  to-morrow." 

223 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

He  was  still  raising  endowment  for  the  college, 
too,  as  the  following  letter  from  Hon.  J.  S.  Hart 
will  show:  'Mn  June,  1891,  Dr.  Dunn  was  at 
our  home  in  Racine  and  seemed  intensely  inter- 
ested in  the  college  and  could  see  a  bright  future 
for  it  if  properly  endowed.  I  then  gave  him  my 
note  for  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  which  with  in- 
terest to  Jan.  17,  1895,  amounted  to  $17,631.06. 
I  speak  of  this  because  I  think  of  him  as  a  suc- 
cessful worker  not  only  in  the  chair  he  occupied 
but  in  raising  funds  for  the  college,  and  to  me  he 
has  been  so  inseparably  a  part  of  the  college  and 
the  father  of  it  that  it  would  be  a  hardship  if  he 
should  be  obliged  to  retire  on  account  of  age  or 
health.  It  seems  to  me  the  college  will  not  be 
Hillsdale  College  without  him.  I  attended  his 
church  in  the  forties,  and  after  I  came  West  he 
came  to  our  home  in  Wisconsin  in  1854,  and  I 
gave  him  a  note  to  aid  in  the  endowment.  I  used 
to  go  out  from  Cambridge  to  Boston  to  hear  him 
preach,  and  the  house  was  sometimes  so  packed 
that  I  with  the  young  men  1  induced  to  go  with 
me  were  obliged  to  stand  during  the  service.  One 
of  the  elders  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Ra- 

224 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

cine  told  me  he  never  listened  to  such  preaching 
as  the  forty  consecutive  sermons  from  him  in 
the  Presbyterian  pulpit." 

An  interesting  event  of  1892  was  the  centen- 
nial of  the  New  Hampshire  Yearly  Meeting  at 
New  Durham  in  June.  A  large  tent  was  set  up 
near  the  church,  with  seating  capacity  of  fifteen 
hundred  people  to  accommodate  the  large  num- 
ber who  attended.  Several  times  it  was  crowded 
to  its  utmost  capacity.  One  of  these  occasions 
was  when  Prof.  Ransom  Dunn,  D.  D.,  Dean  of 
Theology  at  Hillsdale  College,  preached  the  cen- 
tennial sermon.  The  report  says  :  "  There  were 
many  evidences  of  suppressed  emotion  on  the 
part  of  that  vast  audience,  as  this  venerable  edu- 
cator, whose  name  is  a  household  word  among  all 
our  Israel,  came  to  the  front.  He  announced  his 
text  Jude  3 :  '  Beloved,  when  I  gave  all  diligence 
to  write  unto  you  of  the  common  salvation  it  was 
needful  for  me  to  write  unto  you  and  exhort  you 
that  you  should  earnestly  contend  for  the  faith 
which  was  once  delivered  unto  the  saints.'  The 
treatment,  the  style,  the  enthusiasm,  were  char- 
acteristic of  the  man  and  worthy  of  the  occasion.'* 

225 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Another  old  friend  was  called  away  in  1893. 
Rev.  J.  S.  Manning  went  South  to  visit  his  old 
friends,  was  taken  sick  and  died  at  Cairo,  111. 
He  was  teacher,  pastor,  and  friend  to  the  colored 
people,  and  Dr.  Dunn  said,  *'  A  better  man  I 
never  knew."  He  little  thought  when  he  first 
found  him  teaching  district  school  in  Ohio  and  led 
him  to  Christ  he  was  leading  to  light  so  many 
darkened  lives. 


The  year  1893  brought  two  shadows  to  the 
home  of  Dr.  Dunn.  One  was  the  departure  of 
his  youngest  daughter  for  a  foreign  field.  For 
several  years  she  had  been  a  National  Secretary 
for  the  Young  Women's  Christian  Association, 
and  her  frequent  visits  home  had  been  the 
watched-for  event  of  the  quiet  life  of  the  father 
and  mother  in  Hillsdale.  This  summer  she 
married  Rev.  Walter  J.  Clark,  like  herself  a 
student  volunteer,  and  they  were  assigned  to  the 
Ludhiana  Mission  in  India.  This  took  the  last  of 
the  daughters  from  the  home,  for  the  other  two 
had  been  married  for  some  years,  and  one  lived 
in  Nebraska  and  the  other  in  Pennsylvania.  To 
the   affectionate  father  and   mother  this   parting 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

was  doubly  hard,  for  at  their  age  they  felt  it  was 
not  likely  they  should  see  her  again.  And  it  was 
true  that  never  again  would  all  be  together  in  the 
home.  But  it  was  not  the  frail-looking  father  but 
the  brave,  hard-working  mother  who  was  first  to 
be  called.  An  attack  of  congestion  of  the  lungs, 
followed  by  repeated  attacks  of  la  grippe  and 
rheumatism,  made  an  invalid  of  the  one  who  had 
always  cared  for  him  and  the  children  and  friends 
as  if  there  was  no  end  to  her  strength  or  willing- 
ness to  serve. 

She  rallied  from  the  first  attack,  and  with  care 
was  about  the  house  as  cheerful  as  ever,  but 
went  out  little.  Her  husband  gave  up  attendance 
upon  the  anniversaries  of  the  denominational 
societies  on  her  account,  but  continued  his  work 
in  and  near  the  college.  A  State  Sunday-School 
Convention  with  one  thousand  delegates  enter- 
tained at  the  college  gave  them  and  all  good 
friends  a  busy  week.  Leave  of  absence  of  the 
president  placed  extra  classes  in  charge  of  Pro- 
fessor Dunn,  and  special  evangelistic  meetings 
had  his  help.  With  warmer  weather  his  wife's 
health  was  better  and  he  answered  some  of  the 
numerous  calls —  a  dedication  in  Kansas,  a  supply 

227 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

in  Minneapolis  for  a  sick  pastor,  Rev.  F.  L.  Hayes, 
and  other  engagements.  At  the  close  of  the  col- 
lege year,  June,  1894,  he  wrote:  "  For  the  last 
six  weeks  I  have  averaged  three  hundred  miles 
a  week  and  more  than  two  sermons  a  Sabbath. 
Last  Sabbath  I  spent  in  Canada,  next  Sabbath 
I  have  an  appointment  in  Reading,  and  the  fol- 
lowing week  an  ordination  north  of  Lansing." 

The  next  winter  Mrs.  Dunn  again  suffered 
from  la  grippe  and  its  consequences,  and  in  March 
wrote  lovingly  of  her  husband's  devotion:  **  He 
hasn't  left  me  a  single  night  for  four  months,  and 
he  watches  the  furnace  constantly.  I  think  this 
is  the  last  winter  we  will  spend  in  Hillsdale." 
During  this  year  a  grandson.  Laurel  Wayland 
Slayton,  was  with  them  attending  school  at  the 
college,  and  was  a  great  comfort  and  help.  They 
were  always  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of 
their  grandchildren,  who  in  turn  were  devoted  in 
their  affection  for  them.  Again  with  the  lovely 
spring  weather  came  better  health  and  she  was 
able  to  attend  a  reception  given  by  the  theological 
students  for  Professor  Dunn  and  Professor  Copp 
at  the  home  of  the  latter,  who  with  failing  health 
was  bravely  trying  to  keep  on  his  work,  as  had 

228 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

Professor  Fowler,  to  the  last.  She  was  able, 
too,  at  Commencement  time  to  attend  the  Alumni 
reunion  and  meet  old  friends,  who  saw  her  more 
pale  and  thin  than  ever  before  and  with  traces  of 
age  and  sickness,  but  yet  bright  and  cheery  as  of 
old.  Professor  Dunn  said  :  *M  am  well,  of 
course,  for  I  have  attended  seven  funerals  in 
three  weeks  and  a  wedding,  with  my  daily  class 
work  and  supplying  regularly  the  Baptist  pulpit 
in  the  city.  These  seven  funerals  were  all  of 
persons  over  seventy,  and  the  oldest  was  Mr. 
Ford's  eldest  sister,  ninety  years  old,  and  I  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  her  father  and  mother 
nearly  forty  years  ago.  I  must  be  getting  old 
myself." 

The  plan  for  a  winter  in  California  was  ar- 
ranged, and  the  first  of  September  Professor  and 
Mrs.  Dunn  left  on  what  he  laughingly  called  their 
**  honeymoon."  He  said  they  never  had  had 
time  for  it  before,  and  now  they  proposed  to 
enjoy  it.  But  it  was  evident  to  the  loving  neigh- 
bors that  while  they  had  had  many  pleasant  trips 
together  for  visits  or  work,  this  was  different. 
This  was  a  search  for  something  that  might 
never  be  found  —  health  and  strength  and  free- 

229 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

dom  from  pain  and  from  lameness  that  was  be- 
coming almost  helplessness.  It  reminded  some 
of  the  agonizing  search  for  health  for  the  son  who 
tried  every  climate  and  remedy  suggested  by  a 
distressed  father  only  to  fmd  home  best,  and 
waited  for  the  summons  to  the  home  where  pain 
and  weakness  are  unknown.  To  her  as  to  him 
was  coming  the  hard  lesson  to  learn  that  "  they 
also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait."  But  it 
was  indeed  a  honeymoon  if  loving  tenderness 
could  make  it  so.  A  friend  wrote  after  his 
death :  "  What  a  tender  side  he  had  to  his 
nature.  Somehow  it  is  only  in  these  later  years 
we  have  realized  it,  though  you  children  must 
have  always  known  and  felt  it.  He  was  to  the 
last  as  gallant  and  attentive  to  his  wife  as  a 
young  husband." 

On  the  way  they  stopped  over  Sunday  at  Salt 
Lake  City,  and  heard  an  eloquent  address  by  the 
representative  in  Congress,  the  Mormon  vice- 
president.  They  rested  in  Sacramento  and  then 
went  to  Los  Angeles,  where  they  visited  friends 
and  looked  for  a  winter  home.  A  visit  to  friends 
at  Pasadena  and  Lamanda  decided  them  to  re- 
main for  a  time  at  the  Lamanda  Park  Sanitarium 

230 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

in  charge  of  Dr.  C.  L.  King,  formerly  of  Hillsdale, 
whose  family  had  been  friends  of  Professor  Dunn 
for  years.  This  is  the  way  he  describes  the 
place  :  ''  A  more  beautiful  view  I  never  saw  than 
this  vast  field  of  highly  cultivated  groves  of  fruit 
and  gardens  in  the  San  Gabriel  valley  of  twenty 
miles.  Beyond  are  the  grand  mountains,  and  in 
the  other  direction  Pasadena,  a  city  of  12,000, 
five  miles  below."  His  wife,  too,  loved  the 
mountain  view.  "  From  the  porch  where  I  take 
my  walk  every  morning  they  say  we  can  see 
seventy  miles.  I  never  get  tired  of  the  view." 
A  later  letter  says  :  "  We  are  still  here,  with  six 
thousand  feet  of  mountain  elevation  back  of  us, 
200,000  acres  of  fields  before  us,  with  plenty  of 
fruit  to  eat,  and  with  good  company.  But  there 
is  one  lack.  This  sanitarium  was  built  for 
beauty  and  for  body.  There  is  no  church  within 
three  miles,  nor  people  enough  for  a  congregation 
if  they  wanted  one.  The  dozen  families  upon 
these  foot  hills  and  ranches  are  richer  in  houses 
and  groves  than  in  faith." 

Dr.  King  tells  how  Professor  Dunn  met  this 
lack  and  supplied  the  need.  ''  He  gave  us  a 
service  Sunday  evenings.     We  had  at  the  time 

231 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

some  guests  of  unusual  musical  talent,  and  we 
had  a  service  well  worthy  of  a  much  larger 
audience  than  we  could  muster  from  our  house 
and  the  neighbors.  It  would  be  a  delight  to  all  of 
Dr.  Dunn's  old  friends  and  admirers  to  know  of 
the  keen  appreciation  that  our  guests  and  neigh- 
bors expressed  of  these  services.  Most  of  our 
guests  at  that  time  were  people  of  refinement  and 
education,  so  it  was  a  satisfaction  to  us  to  have 
them  feel  that  Dr.  Dunn's  sermons  were  one  of 
the  great  opportunities  of  their  lives.  A  number 
of  them  took  profuse  notes,  so  as  to  make  the 
sermons  a  part  of  their  own  store  of  knowledge. 
I  particularly  remember  one  sermon  in  which  he 
told  us  of  the  knowledge  we  had  of  *  God  in 
nature  '  apart  and  separate  from  the  revelation 
of  him  found  in  the  Bible.  It  certainly  was  as 
strong  an  argument  as  I  ever  heard,  and  many 
others  expressed  themselves  in  the  same  lan- 
guage." But  it  was  not  only  in  these  public 
services  that  his  influence  was  felt  while  at  the 
sanitarium,  for  the  doctor  says:  'Mf  Professor 
Dunn  ever  had  a  gift  it  was  as  a  conversation- 
alist, and  the  happy  hours  he  furnished  to  our 
guests  and   ourselves  when  the   household   was 

232 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

gathered  in  the  parlors  in  the  evening  will  be 
long  remembered.  Both  Professor  Dunn  and  his 
wife  did  all  in  their  power  to  make  the  stay  of 
the  other  guests  pleasant.  One  of  the  touching 
things  in  the  life  they  lived  here  was  the  kind, 
loving,  solicitous  care  they  had  for  each  other. 
Their  lives  had  an  influence  upon  every  one  in 
the  house.  It  was  a  living  sermon.  It  made  one 
feel  there  was  much  in  life  worth  living  for  other 
than  this  constant  struggle  for  money  and  posi- 
tion. We  had  at  the  house  at  that  time  a  poor 
motherless  Norwegian  boy  from  Massachusetts, 
who  had  tuberculosis  and  was  constantly  losing 
ground.  Professor  Dunn  took  great  interest  in) 
him,  and  it  was  one  of  his  chief  pleasures  to  feel 
that  he  led  this  boy  to  Christ  before  he  died.  So  \ 
you  see  that,  while  resting  even,  he  was  busy 
about  his  Father's  business." 

He  went  to  church  one  Sunday  at  Monrovia, 
seven  miles  from  the  sanitarium,  and  an  old 
friend  saw  him  and  asked  for  an  appointment  for 
another  service,  and  he  spoke  to  a  full  house. 
He  attended  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference, 
the  Congregational  State  Convention,  and  the 
Baptist  Association  of  the  southern   half  of  the 

233 


CONSECRATED  LIFE 

State.  The  cessation  from  care  and  nervous  ex- 
citement proved  to  be  a  great  benefit  to  him,  for 
he  was  able  to  sleep  and  eat  as  he  had  not  done 
for  years,  and  even  gained  in  weight.  He 
wrote  :  **  The  affairs  of  church  and  college  and 
the  world  at  large  look  less  blue  in  this  mountain 
atmosphere,  with  frostless  nights  and  cloudless 
days.  And  in  spite  of  the  absence  from  home 
and  its  associations  we  enjoy  the  climate  and 
country  and  each  other's  society,  and  find  quite  a 
number  of  old  friends  in  the  State." 

They  visited  San  Diego  and  were  guests  of 
Judge  M.  A.  Luce,  the  leading  lawyer  of  that 
section,  an  intimate  friend  of  Ransom  and  Way- 
land  when  a  student  in  Hillsdale.  A  letter  from 
this  place  in  December  has  this  to  say  :  ''  As  the 
*  better  half '  improves  in  general  health  her  former 
interest  in  sight-seeing  and  culture  by  travel  in- 
creases. And  here  is  one  of  the  largest  hotels  in 
the  world,  '  Coronado,'  covering  four  acres,  with 
rooms  for  one  thousand  guests,  with  parks  and 
flowers  indescribable.  Our  excursion  party  of 
two  yesterday  took  a  ten-mile  car  ride  and  had  a 
view  of  the  Grant  mansions,  where  two  sons  of 
General  Grant  live,  the  University  Heights,  and 

234 


In  California. 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

the  old  missionary  valley  of  San  Diego  river,  the 
Spanish  missionary  field  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
years  ago,  a  very  interesting  place.  We  are  en- 
joying nice  green  peas  and  strawberries.  This 
climate  seems  like  Rome  or  Naples,  almost  like 
Egypt,  and  your  mother  is  well  satisfied,  her 
general  health  seems  almost  perfect,  but  1  am 
sorry  to  say  the  lameness  of  the  back  still  con- 
tinues. As  I  am  lazy  and  she  is  lame,  and  '  the 
lame  and  the  lazy  must  be  fed,'  we  are  getting 
along  very  well,  and  if  the  girls  were  near  we 
could  be  quite  contented.  But  we  expect  to  go 
back  to  Los  Angeles,  where  friends  have  made 
arrangements  for  us,  and  where  we  can  visit  the 
sanitarium  occasionally,  fourteen  miles  away,  for 
the  baths  and  electrical  treatment." 

Later  they  went  to  Elsinore,  being  strongly 
advised  to  try  the  hot  sulphur  springs  there,  but 
finding  no  great  gain  they  returned  to  Lamanda 
Park,  where  the  care  of  the  doctor  and  nurses 
seemed  to  give  some  relief  to  the  rheumatic  diffi- 
culty. The  sea  breeze  had  not  seemed  to  agree 
with  her  as  well  as  the  mountain  air.  She  was 
still  hopeful  and  cheerful,  though  her  husband 
was  losing  hope  of  recovery.     They  decided  to 

235 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

take  the  southern  route  home  in  the  spring,  visit- 
ing friends  in  Texas.  "  She  would  rather  see 
her  children  than  all  the  beauties  of  Nature," 
says  her  husband,  **  but  still  she  enjoys  the  trip 
with  too  much  spirit  and  zest  to  admit  of  old  age 
yet."  In  her  last  letters  are  such  expressions  as 
these:  ''Don't  think,  my  dear,  you  are  getting 
all  the  good  out  of  life  now,  for  you  may  not  only 
enjoy  the  present  active  life  but  when  you  are 
old  still  find  life  full  of  blessings  and  worth  living. 
Papa  and  I  enjoy  life  together  as  well  as  we  ever 
did.  The  only  thing  that  troubles  me  is  that  I 
can  do  so  little  for  other  people,  and  of  course  he 
would  like  to  preach  more.  The  doctor  says  he 
will  live  ten  years  longer  for  coming  out  here.  I 
suppose  you  think  it  strange  that  if  I  like  it  here 
I  want  to  go  back,  but  home  is  home,  and  I  want 
to  be  there." 

In  March  they  took  their  last  view  of  California 
friends  and  scenery  and  went  to  Texas,  where 
climate  and  fruit  and  friends  were  enjoyed  for  a 
short  time,  but  excessive  rains  made  a  damp  at- 
mosphere that  was  not  so  agreeable,  and  they 
hastened  to  Nebraska  to  visit  the  daughter,  and 
then  home  to  receive  the  warm  greetings  of  old 

236 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

friends  on  College  Hill.  The  fatigue  of  the 
journey  and  change  of  climate  were  felt,  but  the 
last  letter  written  by  Mrs.  Dunn,  May  lo,  1896, 
was  cheerful :  **  The  weather  is  warm,  every- 
body seems  glad  to  see  us,  and  we  are  glad  to  be 
home."  But  it  was  not  for  long.  On  the  20th 
of  May  telegrams  went  east  and  west,  ''  Mother 
is  dead."  A  sudden  pain,  a  loving  look,  a  hand 
pressure,  and  the  heart  ceased  beating  —  she  was 
gone  where  pain  is  no  more.  And  the  heart- 
broken husband  was  alone.  The  daughters 
hurried  to  his  side,  and  together  they  looked  on 
the  peaceful  face  and  thought  of 

"  A  life  made  beautiful  by  kindly  deeds ; 
A  generous  heart  and  hand  to  sorrow's  needs  ; 
A  smile  that  chastened  grief  by  its  warm  glow  ; 
A  tear  not  for  its  own,  but  others'  woe ; 
A  presence  making  sunshine  where  she  trod, 
Glad  with  the  happy,  reverent  love  toward  God  ; 
Such  her  we  mourn,  whose  memory  like  a  flower 
Gathers  new  fragrance  with  each  passing  hour." 

The  funeral  was  held  in  the  church  where  she 
had  been  for  so  many  years  a  faithful  member. 
President  Mosher,  Professor  Salley,  Professor 
Reed,  and  Mrs.  Copp  taking  part  in  the  exer- 
cises.     By  request  of   Professor   Dunn   the   old 

237 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

hymn,  "  Sister,  thou  wast  mild  and  lovely,"  was 
sung  at  the  grave.  Many  were  the  prayers 
offered  for  the  youngest  daughter  in  India,  whose 
weekly  letters  to  the  mother  would  continue  to 
come  for  a  month  before  she  would  know  that 
that  mother  was  beyond  the  reach  of  letters. 
But,  as  one  friend  said,  "  heaven  is  as  near  to 
India  as  America." 

It  will  not  be  out  of  place  here  to  add  a  few 
tributes  to  the  helpfulness  of  the  character  of 
Mrs.  Dunn,  taken  from  many  received  from  old 
students  and  friends.  A  student  in  the  70's 
says:  ''My  first  invitation  to  Professor  Dunn's 
home  was  in  vacation,  when  as  one  of  the  home- 
less students  I  remained  in  Hillsdale.  It  was  of 
such  students  they  were  especially  thoughtful. 
I  say  'they,'  for  it  is  impossible  to  think  of 
Professor  Dunn  without  also  recalling  the  wife 
who  was  indeed  a  true  helpmate  to  her  husband, 
ably  seconding  all  his  efforts  to  upbuild  the 
college,  and  whose  heart  was  always  open  to 
befriend  those  who  in  any  way  seemed  to  need  a 
kind  word  or  act  of  sympathy  or  encouragement. 
Later  I  became  an  inmate  of  their  home,  and 
over  three  years  of  my  college  life  were  passed 

238 


TEACHER,  PREACHER,  AUTHOR 

beneath  their  roof,  and  whatever  of  good  there 
may  be  in  my  character  is  due  to  the  influences 
of  that  happy  home  life  more  than  to  any  other 
factor  during  those  years  in  Hillsdale.  One 
could  not  sit  at  their  table,  join  in  the  family 
worship,  and  in  many  ways  observe  the  thought- 
fulness  of  each  for  the  other,  for  their  children, 
and  for  the  guests  who  were  constantly  coming 
and  going,  without  realizing  that  this  was  an 
ideal  Christian  home."  Another  who  knew  Pro- 
fessor Dunn  and  his  family  in  Nebraska  and  in 
Hillsdale  said  :  "  1  can  never  forget  Mrs.  Dunn. 
She  was  very  kind  to  me.  And  she  did  a  great 
deal  to  make  Dr.  Dunn  what  he  was.  Blessed 
be  both  their  memories." 

We  cannot  forbear  to  add  those  touchingly 
beautiful  lines  from  the  pen  of  Margaret  Sangster, 
so  appropriate  to  the  comforting,  helping  life  and 
hands  of  this  good  wife  and  mother. 

FOLDED    HANDS. 
Pale,  withered  hands  that  more  than  fourscore  years 
Had  wrought  for  others,  soothed  the  hurt  of  tears, 
Rocked  children's  cradles,  eased  the  fever's  smart, 
Dropped  balm  of  love  in  many  an  aching  heart. 
Now  stirless  folded,  like  wan  rose-leaves  pressed 
Above  the  snow  and  silence  of  her  breast ; 
239 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

In  mute  appeal  they  tell  of  labor  done 

And  well-earned  rest  that  came  at  set  of  sun. 

From  the  worn  brow  the  lines  of  care  are  swept 

As  if  an  angel's  kiss  the  while  she  slept 

Had  smoothed  the  cobweb  wrinkles  quite  away, 

And  given  back  the  peace  of  childhood's  day. 

And  on  her  lips  a  smile  as  if  she  said, 

''  None  knows  life's  secret  but  the  happy  dead." 

So  gazing  where  she  lies,  we  know  that  pain 

And  parting  cannot  cleave  her  soul  again, 

And  we  are  sure  that  those  who  saw  her  last 

\n  that  dim  vista  which  we  call  the  past, 

Who  never  knew  her  old  and  weary-eyed. 

Remembering  best  the  maiden  and  the  bride, 

Have  sprung  to  greet  her  with  the  olden  speech, 

The  dear,  sweet  names  no  later  love  can  teach, 

And   "  Welcome  home  !  "  they  cried,   and  grasped   her 

hands  ; 
So  dwells  the  mother  in  the  best  of  lands. 


240 


XI 

LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE  —  EIGHTIETH   BIRTHDAY 

While  the  loneliness  and  grief  seemed  at  times 
to  overwhelm  him,  yet  the  strength  of  body 
gained  during  the  winter's  rest  made  him  able 
to  work,  and  to  keep  occupied  was  the  best 
thing  to  do  under  the  circumstances.  So  he  tried 
to  fill  all  of  his  appointments. 

He  was  invited  by  President  Mosher  to  deliver 
the  baccalaureate  address,  and  gratefully  ac- 
knowledged that  he  had  no  recollection  of  ever 
receiving  more  kind  words  with  reference  to  any 
sermon.  The  text  was  Acts  17:  28,  **  In  Him  we 
live,"  and  the  argument  showed  that  man  as  an 
individual  and  in  family,  state,  church,  and  Chris- 
tian enterprises  did  live  in  a  living  God,  and  only 
by  so  doing  could  nation,  church,  or  college  be 
successful. 

When  summer  vacation  came  he  sought  relief 
from  the  ever-present  sorrow  by  travel,  visiting 
the  scenes  of  his  childhood  and  the  few  remaining 

241 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

relatives   in   New    England.     He    sadly   writes : 

''The  relief  from   mental  gloom  anticipated   by 

others  on  my  behalf  is  not  realized.     I  ought  to 

\   have  known,  and  did  know,  that  material  condi- 

I  tions  cannot  relieve  the  demands   of    head   and 

■'    heart." 

He  preached  one  Sabbath  at  Enosburgh  Falls, 
where,  as  a  young  man,  he  had  done  his  first 
preaching,  but  said  that  he  felt  that  "the  de- 
parture of  Brother  Montague  [the  brother-in-law 
who  had  been  instrumental  in  leading  him  to 
Christ  and  who  was  always  one  of  his  best 
friends]  leaves  that  whole  region  a  kind  of 
vacuum." 

Going  from  Vermont  to  Maine  he  found  the 
only  brother  of  Mrs.  Dunn  quite  broken  down, 
and  felt  it  was  their  last  visit,  and  it  was  indeed 
true,  for  soon  he  followed  his  sister  to  the  glory 
land. 

He  spoke  one  Sunday  in  Great  Falls,  where 
the  few  old  friends  were  glad  to  see  him  and 
many  others  eager  to  have  a  chance  to  hear  him. 
In  Boston  he  met  a  nephew,  Rev.  A.  T.  Dunn, 
and  with  him  attended  the  Northfield  Conference 
in  August. 

242 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

A  brief  visit  with  his  daughter  in  Scranton, 
and  with  his  old  friend,  Rev.  Schuyler  Aldrich, 
and  his  former  pupil,  Rev.  J.  W.  Parsons,  in 
Buffalo,  and  then  he  went  back  to  ''what  was 
my  home." 

Frequent  letters  from  his  children  and  friends 
became  one  of  his  chief  comforts.  He  said, 
'*  The  world  is  still  sunless  and  these  letters  are 
the  stars  of  these  long  nights."  But  he  felt  that 
"  as  the  loss  becomes  a  fact  of  memory  the  light 
of  the  background  will  increase  in  beauty  and 
comfort."  And  so  it  was.  To  the  day  of  his 
death  he  never  ceased  to  feel  the  loss  of  his  wife 
and  to  mourn  her  departure.  When  other  loved 
ones  had  been  taken  from  him  in  his  earlier  days 
he  had  much  left  of  life,  and  strength  for  work, 
and  hope  and  courage;  now  he  felt  there  was 
not  the  life  of  service,  nor  other  new  companion- 
ships before  him.  But  as  months  and  years 
went  by  the  memories  of  the  past  and  blessed 
hopes  of  the  future  lessened  the  gloom  of  the 
present. 

And  he  never  allowed  his  feelings  to  cloud  the 
lives  of  others,  but  was  always  cheerful  as  well 
as  resigned.     He  could  ''  see  more  and  more  rea- 

243 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

sons  for  gratitude  in  the  leadings  of  Providence 
in  the  past,  for  friends  left,  for  health  that  allows 
of  some  work  still  in  the  college,  and  for  pleasant 
surroundings." 

A  touching  letter  was  received  from  him  in 
October  of  this  year,  containing  these  words : 
'*  The  wonderful  beauty  of  these  maples,  remind- 
ing me  of  my  childhood  home  and  the  experi- 
ences of  the  past,  produces  a  strange  mingling  of 
joy  and  grief.  The  most  affecting  and  interest- 
ing experiences  of  my  life  have  occurred  in  the 
fall.  I  was  converted  in  the  fall  of  183 1,  bap- 
tized and  united  with  the  church  in  the  fall  of 
1834,  commenced  in  the  ministry  a  year  later  and 
ordained  in  the  autumn.  Buried  my  father  in 
October,  1835,  ^^^  ^ny  mother  twenty  years 
later.  My  most  successful  work  has  been  in 
this  season.  Married  both  times  in  September. 
Buried  one  wife  in  August,  and  the  funeral  of 
the  other  continues  into  fall!  This  is  not  the 
flower  season  but  the  harvest  season,  and  always 
reminds  me  more  distinctly  of  duty  and  heaven 
than  the  earlier  seasons.  Of  course  I  cannot  say 
this  one  is  exactly  a  happy  season,  but  I  am  able 
to  say,   'My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done,'  and  I  can 

244 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

see  many  causes  for  thanksgiving,  especially  in 
the  dear  ones,  though  far  away,  and  more  par- 
ticularly for  the  grace  and  comfort  from  above." 
Constant  work  occupied   mind  and  body,  and 
relieved  the  tension  of  the  feelings.     Sunday  ap- 
pointments and  funerals  in  addition  to  class-room 
work  kept  him  busy.     He  was  invited  to  deliver 
the   sermon  at  the  union  thanksgiving  service; 
and  to  preach  at  the  Hillsdale  church  during  the 
absence  of  the  pastor  at  the  State  Association. 
On  this  occasion  he  spoke  on  Paul's  determina- 
tion (i  Cor.  2:  2):   *M  determined  not  to  know 
anything  among  you  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him 
crucified."     Referring    to   it,    he   said:    "I   feel 
more  and  more  that  life  is  short,  and  I  must  not 
shun  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.     We 
get  too  little  preaching  nowadays  on  evangelical 
truths,  and  especially  on  the  atonement." 

News  was  received  from  a  relative  in  Vermont 
of  the  death  of  several  of  her  family,  leaving 
her  almost  alone,  and  he  replied:  *M  know  how 
to  sympathize,  having  lost  both  parents,  ten 
brothers  and  sisters,  two  wives,  and  five  children. 
But  God  is  good,  and  his  tender  mercies  are  over 
all."     Referring  to  certain  anniversaries  in   the 

2-i5 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

families  of  his  children  he  said:  "How  many 
social  and  family  interviews  we  have  had ! 
When  there  is  an  interruption  we  must  not  forget 
the  goodness  of  God  in  the  past,  and  trials  are 
but  mercies  in  their  disciplinary  purposes,  and 
not  penalties,  which  do  not  come  till  after  the 
judgment,  nor  even  then  —  thank  God! — if  the 
blood  of  Christ  is  by  faith  accepted  and  trusted  !  " 

As  a  new  term  opened  he  remarked:  *M  am 
not  sorry.  I  feel  more  natural  in  the  class  room 
than  anywhere  else.  I  have  a  call  for  an  ordina- 
tion on  one  Sabbath  and  a  dedication  the  next 
week,  and  if  not  too  cold  hope  to  attend  both, 
but  1  am  about  through  with  that  kind  of  work." 

The  dedication  was  the  church  at  Mayville, 
costing  seven  thousand  dollars,  and  two  thousand 
four  hundred  of  this  was  raised  at  the  time  of 
the  dedication,  leaving  the  house  free  of  debt. 
After  the  dedication  sermon  by  Dr.  Dunn  several 
rose  for  prayer,  and  in  the  evening  the  number 
was  increased  to  thirteen^  and  the  work  of  grace 
started  at  this  time  continued  during  the  winter. 

Thus  the  power  of  God  was  manifest  still  in 
the  efforts  of  this  man  who  had  during  so  many 
years    seen    revivals    follow    his   dedication    of 

246 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

churches.  Whenever  he  spoke  on  such  an  occa- 
sion it  was,  as  in  the  days  of  Solomon,  "the 
glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  house."  When  he 
dedicated  the  church  at  Morton,  Kansas,  he  used 
the  verse  just  quoted  as  his  text,  and  a  business 
man,  not  a  Christian,  and  an  attendant  of  an- 
other church,  who  was  present,  said  the  very 
repetition  of  the  text  from  such  a  man  was  suffi- 
cient dedication.  If  he  said  so  he  believed  it ; 
and  the  manner  and  force  of  delivery,  as  well  as 
the  grandeur  of  the  theme,  made  him  feel  before 
it  was  over  that  the  Lord  himself  said  it  too.  He 
was  among  the  first  to  come  out  in  the  revival 
that  followed. 

Another  dedication  is  thus  reported  by  a  lis- 
tener:  ''The  text  was,  *I  will  make  the  place 
of  my  feet  glorious.'  It  seemed  as  if  the  lips  of 
the  preacher  had  been  '  touched  with  a  live  coal 
from  off  the  altar,'  for  not  only  did  he  tell  us  of 
the  glory  of  the  place  but  he  took  us  within  the 
sanctuary,  and  with  hushed  hearts  we  saw  the 
glory,  and  we  said  with  him,  *  Wondrous  in 
power  is  God  the  Creator,  infinite  in  tenderness 
is  God  the  Father,  terrible  in  majesty  is  God  the 
Ruler,  glorious  in  compassion  is  God  the  Saviour, 

247 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

but  nearer,  dearer  to  the  heart  of  every  child  of 
sorrow  is  God  the  Comforter.'  As  we  went 
away  from  that  new  temple,  thus  solemnly  and 
beautifully  consecrated,  we  thought,  *  O  that 
every  watchman  upon  the  walls  of  Zion  could 
give  to  its  golden  trumpet  such  certain  sounds.'  " 
During  the  winter  occurred  the  death  of  a 
neighbor,  of  whom  he  thus  wrote:  "Deacon 
Dyer,  with  his  burden  of  eighty  years,  and  sev- 
enty-two of  Christian  experience,  who  was  a 
special  friend  of  mine  for  fifty-nine  years,  has 
retired  from  earth  to  heaven.  His  father.  Rev. 
S.  B.  Dyer  of  New  Hampshire,  was  one  of  the 
noble  fathers  of  our  denomination,  baptized  by 
Benjamin  Randall.  I  can  scarcely  think  of  an- 
other man  on  earth  with  whom  I  have  been  as 
long  acquainted  as  with  Deacon  Dyer."  These 
departures  of  old  friends  always  affected  him 
deeply,  for  he  was  strongly  attached  to  his 
friends,  and  in  these  later  years  the  vacancies 
were  keenly  felt,  and  he  said,  ''The  field  of 
friendship  here  is  getting  very  narrow,  but  the 
field  is  wide  and  occupied  beyond."  He  used  to 
sometimes  refer  to  O.  W.  Holmes's  "  Last  Leaf," 
and  perhaps  others  thought  of  it  as  they  saw  him 

2+8 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

on  Sabbath  afternoons  slowly  wending  his  way  to 
the  cemetery  and  wearily  coming  back  to  his 
lonely  study.  Friends  feared  these  walks  too 
mucii  for  the  body,  which  they  could  see  was 
more  feeble,  and  also  feared  the  effect  on  the 
mind  of  the  constant  recalling  of  past  compan- 
ionships, but  as  long  as  he  lived  these  sad  pilgrim- 
ages continued  to  be  a  sort  of  comfort  and  sad 
pleasure  to  the  lonely  old  man.  On  the  way  he 
would  stop  to  call  on  old  friends,  especially  those 
who  were  sick  or  shut  in,  such  as  the  widows  of 
Jairus  and  Isaac  Davis,  who  had  always  a  strong 
attachment  for  him  and  his  family. 

The  twentieth  of  each  month  was  to  him  a 
memorial  day  when  the  darkness  of  that  May 
day  when  the  light  of  his  life  went  out  was  lived 
over  again,  but  he  would  say  :  '^Losses  of  even 
the  richest  earthly  blessings  cannot  veil  the  face 
of  God  or  shut  the  gate  of  heaven.  Prayer  and 
the  presence  of  God  were  never  sweeter." 

An  unexpected  family  reunion  occurred  in  the 
summer  of  1897,  when  Mrs.  Clark  came  from 
India  on  account  of  a  serious  affection  of  her  little 
girl's  eyes.  While  the  reason  for  the  journey 
was    regretted,    the    opportunity   for    visit   was 

249 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

gladly  accepted,  and  Mrs.  Slayton  and  Mrs. 
Gates  met  her  with  their  father  at  the  old  home. 
While  they  missed  the  cheerful  presence  of  the 
mother  who  always  so  enjoyed  their  former 
visits,  they  appreciated  the  visit  with  the  father, 
for  whom  this  might  be  the  last  family  gathering. 
The  brief  summer  passed  all  too  quickly,  and 
after  visits  with  relatives  and  friends  father  and 
daughters  stood  on  the  deck  of  the  small  boat  in 
New  York  harbor,  in  September,  and  watched 
the  large  vessel  sail  away,  bearing  the  missionary 
daughter  and  her  two  little  girls  to  their  far- 
distant  home.  Too  well  we  knew  that  for  two 
of  that  party  it  was  their  last  view  of  each  other 
until  the  final  reunion  in  the  heavenly  home, 
but  bravely  they  faced  the  present  and  the 
future,  and  as  they  unclasped  their  hands  we 
felt  the  Hand  we  could  not  see  in  sustaining 
power. 

In  October  the  promised  message  came,  telling 
of  safe  arrival  in  Bombay,  and  he  passed  it  on  to 
the  sisters,  saying :  "  The  earth  for  a  time,  after 
receiving  that  cablegram  the  same  day  it  was 
written,  seemed  smaller  than  before.     But  when 

250 


en    n 


•     c 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

1  remembered  that  it  would  be  four  weeks  before 
a  letter  could  get  here  the  horizon  seemed  as 
distant  as  ever." 

The  Michigan  State  Association  met  in  Grand 
Ledge  that  year,  and  Dr.  Dunn  attended  and  told 
a  friend  afterward :  *'  Strange  enough,  they 
elected  me  president,  and  stranger  still  by  unani- 
mous vote  elected  me  delegate  to  the  General 
Conference  again.  Doubtful  whether  1  can  fill 
either  place,  but  it  is  not  unpleasant  to  receive 
such  unexpected  honors."  Replying  to  expressed 
anxiety  of  friends  in  regard  to  his  continued 
preaching  he  said,  *'  I  never  preached  easier  in 
my  life  nor  felt  less  anxiety  respecting  homiletical 
success  or  failure."  He  was  not  to  be  released 
from  the  use  of  his  pen  either,  for  the  editor  of 
The  Morning  Star  wrote  to  him  for  several  arti- 
cles on  various  subjects,  with  the  remark  that  he 
was  "  not  to  stop  writing  while  in  the  body." 

As  the  examinations  for  the  college  year  ap- 
proached he  said  :  '*  The  term  and  year  will  soon 
be  past,  and  so  will  life  itself.  I  have  been 
wondering  why  this  was  not  the  time  for  me  to 
die.  But  the  Lord  knoweth  and  doeth  all  things 
well.     1  am  going  to  leave  Hillsdale  College;  for 

251 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

what  or  where  is  not  determined  yet.  A  guiding 
Providence  has  always  provided,  and  so  I  am 
simply  waiting."  The  providential  direction 
came  in  an  unexpected  way  when  a  night  of 
agony  and  days  of  continued  sufferincr  proved 
that  a  chronic  difficulty  of  years'  standing  might 
be  now  more  than  an  annoyance  —  might  be  a 
serious  menace  to  life.  Always  sensitive  to  pain, 
and  now  too  weak  to  endure  much,  he  hastened 
to  the  home  of  his  son-in-law,  a  physician  in 
Scranton,  hoping  for  operation  or  treatment  to 
cure  or  relieve.  Operation  was  not  possible, 
treatment  to  be  effective  needed  to  be  continued, 
and  he  was  urged  to  remain.  A  few  weeks  of 
rest  and  care,  however,  gave  such  relief  that  he 
came  back  to  Hillsdale  for  the  final  examinations 
and  remained  for  Commencement. 

A  great  surprise  came  to  him  on  Commence- 
ment Day  when  Professor  Salley  presented  him 
with  a  beautiful  gold-headed  cane,  a  gift  from 
faculty,  students,  and  friends.  With  it  came  a 
booklet  tied  with  college  colors,  embellished  with 
forget-me-nots  and  this  legend  :  *'  All  things  pass 
away  save  love,  the  same  forever  and  aye." 
This  booklet  had  the  names  of  the  donors,  none 

252 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

of  whom  had  been  allowed  to  give  more  than  five 
cents,  so  that  many  might  have  the  privilege  of 
being  contributors.  It  also  contained  a  poem  by 
Mrs.  M.  W.  Chase  : 

Far  away  across  the  ocean, 

In  a  castle  near  the  sea. 
In  a  castle  grown  historic, 

Lived  the  man  of  destiny. 

Kings  and  queens  their  homage  brought  him. 

And  a  title  sought  to  give. 
"  Nay,"  quoth  he,  "  I  want  no  title, 

But  give  God's  poor  a  chance  to  live." 

Titles  such  as  kings  could  give  him 

Could  but  mar  his  Maker's  plan, 
And  the  name  that  best  befits  him 

Is  the  simple  "  Grand  Old  Man." 


Up  and  down  our  dusty  highway 
Moves  a  man  bent  low  with  years  ; 

His  brow  serene  though  deeply  furrowed, 
His  eyes  grown  dim  with  unshed  tears. 

Day  by  day  we  see  him  toiling, 

Serving  God  as  best  he  can. 
And  our  hearts  proclaim  with  gladness, 

We  too  have  our  "  Grand  Old  Man." 
258 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Aged  brother,  look  above  thee, 

There  is  peace  beyond  the  stars, 
Where  we'll  find  the  lambs  that  wandered 

And  slipped  through  between  the  bars. 

There  earth's  trials  will  be  ended, 

And  the  real  life  begun; 
For  Christ's  love  has  paid  the  ransom, 

And  he'll  speak  the  words,  "  Well  done !  " 

At  the  close  of  Professor  Salley's  appropriate 
address  came  another  surprise,  when  Mr.  Wallace 
Heckman,  one  of  the  alumni  trustees,  stepped  up 
and  in  beautiful  words  presented  a  volume  of 
autograph  letters  from  old  friends.  A  letter  had 
been  sent  to  friends  in  the  spring,  reminding 
them  of  the  fact  that  Dr.  Dunn  expected  to  close 
his  active  work  in  the  college  in  June,  thus  com- 
pleting forty-five  years  of  service,  and  that  his 
eightieth  birthday  would  occur  in  July,  and  sug- 
gesting the  propriety  of  this  birthday  book  of 
personal  letters.  This  letter  was  sent  by  Presi- 
dent G.  F.  Mosher,  Prof.  A.  D.  Salley,  and  Prof. 
D.  B.  Reed,  with  this  beautiful  quotation  from 
Longfellow  :  *M  shall  pass  through  this  world  but 
once ;  any  good  thing,  therefore,  that  I  can  do  or 
any  kindness  that  I  can  show,  let  me  do  it  now. 

254 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

Let  me  not  defer  it  nor  neglect  it,  for  I  shall  not 
pass  this  way  again."  The  letters  were  received 
by  Mr.  H.  S.  Myers,  and  fastened  together  in  a 
book  for  presentation.  The  number  was  only 
limited  by  the  time  and  the  size  of  the  book,  but 
it  had  been  the  thought  to  include  especially  the 
friends  of  early  days,  those  connected  with  the 
college,  leading  men  of  the  denomination,  and 
ministers  who  had  studied  theology  with  Professor 
Dunn,  and  to  place  the  limit  at  one  hundred  and 
fifty  letters.  This  kindly  thought  had  been  well 
carried  out,  and  this  book  was  one  of  the  most 
priceless  possessions  of  Dr.  Dunn  while  he  lived. 
He  kept  it  carefully  laid  away,  but  often  took  it 
out  to  look  over  the  letters  from  friends  and  recall 
the  associations  of  the  past. 

It  would  be  interesting  if  we  could  publish 
many  of  these  letters  entire.  The  deep  affection 
shown  by  men  now  prominent  in  various  fields 
for  the  one  who  gave  them  in  many  cases  their 
first  uplift  toward  the  better  things  of  life,  the 
profound  respect  for  his  learning,  the  admiration 
for  his  character,  breathe  through  these  leaves  a 
delicate  and  lasting  fragrance  ;  and  the  evident 
sincerity  and    genuineness  of  the  regard    shown 

255 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

gives  added  value  to  the  beautiful  thoughts  ex- 
pressed.    But  the  one  word  most  often  repeated 
is  "  inspiration."      If   all   the   schools   that   Dr. 
Dunn  helped  to  establish  should  perish,  if  all  the 
churches  he  organized  should  be  dissolved,  if  the 
denomination  itself  for  which  he  labored  so  long 
should  lose  its  identity,  still  his  monument  would 
remain  in  the  lasting  influence  of  his  personality 
in  individual    lives.      He  was,  as  Mr.  Heckman 
said,  a   "  dynamic   generator  "  of   all   that  was 
truest  and  noblest  in  life.     Over  and  oven  again 
have    come    these    words   from    lips    and   pen  : 
"  What  I  have  been  able  to  do  in  this  world  has 
been  due  to  the  influence  of   Professor    Dunn's 
marvelous  character,  which  was  a  perpetual  in- 
spiration,"   as    Prof.    H.    B.    Larrabee,  Dean  of 
Keuka  College,  expresses  it.     The  oft-used  illus- 
tration of  the  ever-widening  circles  in  the  waves 
started  by  the  falling  body  in  the  water,  illustrat- 
ing the  increasing  spheres  of  influence  from  the 
individual  life,  comes  to  us  as  we  read  such  letters 
as  these  :  Prof.  B.  S.  Hunting  of  Berea  College  : 
*'  The  spirit  of  your  work  has  been  an  inspiration 
to  me  for  twenty-two  years.     If  I  have  had  any 
success   as  a  director  of   youth,   as  a  citizen  or 

256 


LAST  YEARS  IN  COLLEGE 

minister,  I  owe  it  to  your  inspiring  example.'* 
Prof.  A.  E.  Haynes  of  Minnesota  University:  '*I 
want  to  express  my  gratitude  for  tiie  blessed  in- 
spiration your  life  has  given  me,  with  the  assur- 
ance that  you  will  ever  hold  in  my  heart  a  place 
of  sacred  remembrance."  And  if  true  of  hun- 
dreds of  teachers  such  as  these,  what  of  the 
hundreds  of  ministers,  who,  like  Miss  Moody, 
say,  "  How  helpful  you  have  been  to  me,  God 
only  knows"?  It  is  undoubtedly  true  that  Ran- 
som Dunn  is  not  silent  to-day,  but  ''  is  preaching 
in  hundreds  of  pulpits  where  he  has  multiplied 
himself  in  the  faithful  and  loyal  preachers  of  the 
Gospel  whom  he  has  taught  and  inspired."  And 
from  the  varied  walks  of  life,  from  professional 
and  business  offices,  came  these  letters  :  ''  You 
taught  us  how  to  think  and  showed  us  how  to 
live."  These  appreciative  letters  may  be  epito- 
mized in  this  grateful  tribute  of  Will  Carleton  : 
"  Rarely  have  four-fifths  of  a  century  been  spent 
so  well.  Your  life  has  been  one  of  brilliant  and 
substantial  usefulness,  and  it  is  sincerely  the 
wish  of  your  thousands  of  friends  that  you  still 
have  years  before  you  in  which  to  reap  the  con- 
stantly ripening  harvests  of  love  that  you  have 
been  sowing  for  so  many  years." 


XII 

CLOSING  DAYS 

The  General  Conference  met  at  Ocean  Park 
in  August,  1898,  and  Dr.  Dunn,  with  the  family 
of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Gates  of  Scranton,  took  a 
cottage  there  for  the  month.  He  had  a  hope  that 
the  sea-breezes  might  be  a  benefit  to  his  failing 
health,  and,  while  his  physician  could  not  antici- 
pate decidedly  favorable  results,  the  family  were 
glad  to  arrange  for  this  month's  stay  at  the  sea- 
shore. 

The  meetings  were  enjoyed  and  also  the  view 
of  old  ocean,  with  its  restless  waves  and  rolling 
breakers,  and  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  the 
pine  woods,  and  he  appreciated  the  change  and 
rest.  Many  old  friends  greeted  him,  and  the 
younger  people  were  glad  to  see  him,  and  all 
would  have  been  glad  if  health  and  strength 
would  have  allowed  of  his  taking  more  active 
part  in  the  exercises.    One  meeting  was  arranged 

258 


CLOSING  DAYS 

for  in  which  the  older  men  of  the  denomination 
and  those  with  experience  in  various  parts  of  the 
country  were  to  talk  on  "  Life's  Lessons."  Dr. 
Dunn  and  Dr.  Cheney  were  most  gladly  listened 
to  on  this  occasion. 

A  reception  was  given  one  afternoon  for  Mrs. 
M.  M.  H.  Hills,  and  among  the  interesting 
speeches  on  this  occasion  was  that  of  Dr.  Dunn, 
who  referred  to  his  acquaintance  with  her  through 
a  long  period,  and  his  relations  with  her  two  hus- 
bands of  early  days,  David  Marks  and  Elias 
Hutchins,  and  to  the  changes  since  then.  Mrs. 
Hills  says  she  often  has  wished  that  she  might 
have  had  that  speech  in  writing. 

The  days  of  the  sea  were  not  regretted,  but 
they  could  not  bring  back  the  strength  that  was 
lost  nor  relieve  from  pain.  The  quiet  of  the 
doctor's  house  was  perhaps  the  best  place,  and  to 
it  he  returned.  But  as  cold  weather  approached 
the  restless  spirit  again  sought  a  warmer  climate 
and  tried  relief  in  Florida.  His  first  view  was 
beautiful.  "  I  never  saw  a  more  brilliant  sunrise 
than  this  morning,"  he  wrote  as  he  neared  Jack- 
sonville. Kind  friends  met  him  here,  and  at 
Melbourne  Mr.  John  Phillips  made  him  at  home. 

259 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

His  sister,  Mrs.  Piatt,  enjoyed  a  visit  too,  and 
friends  in  otiier  places,  among  them  Rev.  Nathan 
Woodworth,  whom  Dr.  Dunn  baptized  in  1840. 
This  was  their  last  visit,  for  Mr.  Woodworth  was 
soon  called  home.  It  proved  to  be  a  rainy  and 
cold  season,  and  after  a  few  weeks  he  wrote 
back,  "  My  faith  in  climate  weakens,  and  my 
faith  in  good  physicians  and  in  Providence  in- 
creases," and  he  concluded  that  '*  steam  heat  in 
a  comfortable  city  house  was  after  all  the  best 
climate  "  for  him.  And  the  large  upper  chamber 
which  was  always  waiting  for  him  in  Scranton 
became  his  until  his  death.  Here,  with  his  desk 
in  the  sunny  bay  window,  he  continued  to  read 
and  to  write  out  of  his  still  active  brain  and  lov- 
ing heart  until  called  to  speak  with  the  spiritual 
language  of  another  life. 

Visits  were  made. to  the  daughter  in  Nebraska, 
and  excuse  was  ever  ready  for  a  trip  to  Hillsdale. 
The  last  one  was  at  the  Commencement  of  1900, 
which  was  the  year  of  the  Quinquennial  Alumni 
Reunion.  The  alumni  banquet  was  held  in  the 
college  chapel,  and  when  Professor  Dunn  was 
called  upon  for  the  first  toast,  instinctively  the 
vast  assemblage  rose,  and  without  any  previous 

260 


CLOSING  DAYS 

arrangement  stood  silent  for  a  moment ;  then 
handkerchiefs  were  fluttered  everywhere,  and 
finally  a  rousing  cheer  prevented  the  opening  of 
his  speech.  The  surprised  Professor  waited  with 
bowed  head  and  shining  eyes  during  this  ovation, 
and  then  gave  what  he  said  would  be  his  last 
message  to  the  alumni.  Like  the  elders  of  Eph- 
esus  listening  to  Paul,  they  were  "sorrowing 
most  of  all  for  the  words  which  he  spake  that 
they  should  see  his  face  no  more." 

He  was  still  serving  on  the  board  of  trustees, 
and  while  he  said  he  was  "only  a  looker  on," 
and  that  he  had  served  his  term,  and  others  who 
were  younger  must  both  do  the  work  and  give 
the  advice,  it  was  evident  that  even  if  his  eyes 
were  a  little  dim  and  hearing  not  quite  perfect, 
his  observation  was  as  keen  as  ever  and  his 
judgment  as  good  and  his  influence  as  great.  As 
a  little  illustration  of  this  fact,  it  happened  that 
one  of  the  committees  in  giving  a  report  included 
a  recommendation  that  had  a  more  far-reaching 
effect  than  was  supposed,  and  apparently  a  dis- 
astrous one  in  some  directions.  Professor  Dunn 
arose  and  calmly  said,  "  Gentlemen,  have  you 
considered  this  matter  in  all  its  bearings?  "     In 

2«]1 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

a  few  words  he  explained  the  situation  as  he  saw 
it,  without  any  urging  or  show  of  feeling,  and 
quietly  sat  down.  At  once  the  movers  of  the 
motion  withdrew  it ;  those  who  had  sustained  it 
made  a  motion  of  contrary  import,  which  was 
unanimously  passed.  As  they  passed  out  one 
remarked  to  the  other,  '*  There's  no  question 
about  it ;  if  he  says  it  is  so  we  know  it  is."  And 
another  added,  ''Anyway,  we'd  do  it  for  him." 
This  little  incident  shows  the  reverence  for  his 
opinion  and  the  regard  for  his  feelings  that  they 
felt. 

His  work  for  the  college  was  not  ended  yet. 
During  the  summer  he  learned  that  a  friend  in 
Nebraska,  whose  days  on  earth  were  probably 
numbered,  desired  upon  certain  conditions  to  deed 
one-half  of  her  farm  to  Hillsdale  College.  So  he 
went  to  see  her,  and  returned  with  a  deed  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  worth  eight 
hundred  dollars,  from  Mrs.  S.  F.  Smith  of  Long 
Pine,  whose  husband  had  given  a  large  sum  to 
the  college  before  and  expected  to  follow  it  with 
this  later  gift.  After  this  tiresome  journey  he 
came  back  to  Hillsdale  and  took  part  in  a  theo- 
logical institute,  and  then  returned  to  Scranton. 

262 


CLOSING  DAYS 

It  was  hard  for  him  to  feel  that  he  could  not  do 
as  formerly,  and  he  would  exclaim  :  "  If  I  could 
only  work  !  It  is  hard  to  sink  away  into  nothing- 
ness. But  I  must  and  will  be  reconciled,  and  wait 
until  my  change  comes."  And  then  he  would  add  : 
"  The  experiences  of  old  age  and  accompanying 
disease  shall  not  be  cause  for  complaint  or  mur- 
muring. The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done."  He 
was  far  from  being  useless  or  laid  aside,  how- 
ever. In  the  home  his  patient,  cheerful  life  was 
a  silent  but  powerful  influence,  and  his  advice  as 
much  sought  as  ever.  In  the  church  where  he 
attended  most  regularly  he  was  esteemed  highly 
by  pastor  and  people,  and  in  the  Monday  minis- 
ters' meeting  his  counsel  was  appreciated.  His 
presence  in  prayer  meeting  whenever  he  was 
able  to  attend  was  considered  an  inspiration,  and 
his  remarks  and  prayers  an  uplifting  power. 
After  his  death  many  were  the  expressions  of 
regard  from  those  who  had  known  him  even  for 
a  short  period,  such  as  these  :  "  We  have  a 
greater  sense  of  Christian  duty  and  a  stronger 
faith  because  of  his  life  here."  *'  It  was  a  strong, 
helpful  life ;  it  was  a  privilege  to  have  known 
him    if   only  for  a  short   time."     ''His    benign, 

2G3 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 


"  Grandpa   Dunn." 


noble  face  will  always  be  a  picture  in  memory's 
portrait  gallery."  *'  Holy  influence  radiated  from 
him  ;  he  was  as  one  who  was  always  in  touch 
with  the  hem  of  the  Master's  garment." 

2M 


CLOSING  DAYS 

The  pen  could  still  be  used,  if  weakness  and 
circumstances  did  not  allow  of  much  preaching, 
and  while  he  felt  that  the  results  were  less 
satisfactory  than  formerly  others  felt  that  the 
articles  from  his  pen  were  as  direct  and  forceful 
as  ever,  and  one  editor  said  that  his  last  copy, 
written  the  week  that  he  died,  was  clear  and 
distinct  and  free  from  error  as  on  previous  occa- 
sions. His  last  published  article  was  a  brief  one 
on  the  "  Fatherhood  of  God  and  Brotherhood  of 
Man,"  and  was  logical  and  strong  and  evangelical. 
He  enjoyed  hearing  others  preach,  and  took 
pleasure  in  telling  the  preacher  when  he  had 
given  a  good  sermon,  and  in  speaking  of  it  to 
others.  This  desire  to  be  helpful  by  encourage- 
ment was  characteristic,  and  younger  preachers 
will  never  forget  his  kindness  in  this  regard. 
One  Saturday  he  walked  down  to  the  Synagogue 
and  heard  a  young  rabbi  in  an  eloquent  dis- 
course, and  meeting  one  of  the  congregation,  told 
him  what  a  beautiful  service  it  was  and  how  he 
went  home  more  than  ever  convinced  that  we  did 
not  appreciate  the  Old  Testament  as  we  should. 

The  first  Sunday  in  November  he  heard  two 
fine  sermons  from  representatives  of  the  Presby- 

2G5 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

terian  and  Methodist  Mission  Boards,  and  came 
home  from  the  morning  service  to  weep  and  pray 
over  the  vast  field  of  home  mission  effort  as  in 
the  days  of  his  youth.  After  the  evening  service 
he  came  in  excited,  and  announced  that  with  two 
more  such  sermons  he  believed  he'd  be  a  convert 
to  missions.  The  next  day  he  did  one  of  his  last 
acts  for  the  cause  of  Christ  he  so  much  loved, 
when  he  wrote  to  Rev.  T.  J.  Mawhorter,  pastor 
of  the  church  at  Cosperville,  Ind.,  inclosing  a 
check  for  a  memorial  window  in  the  new  church. 
He  had  helped  this  church  as  he  did  so  many 
others  in  their  early  struggles,  and  preached  for 
them  for  a  time,  and  assisted  the  pastor  in  his 
efforts  to  gain  an  education.  Now  he  wished  to 
bear  a  part  in  the  completion  of  their  pleasant 
and  commodious  house  of  worship.  This  letter 
was,  no  doubt,  one  of  the  last  he  wrote,  probably 
the  last  completed  and  sent,  and  is  as  follows  : 

SCRANTON,  PA.,  Nov.  5,  1900. 

DEAR  BRO.  Mawhorter  : 

That  letter  and  pledge  for  a  window  in  your  church  was 

entirely  forgotten.    But  inclosed  you  will  find  a  draft  for 

the  twelve  dollars.     Am  glad  of  your  prosperity,  and  pray 

for  your  continued  success.    My  pains  are  not  less,  but 

266 


CLOSING  DAYS 

increased  by  rheumatism  in  the  feet  and  neuralgia  in  the 
shoulders  and  chest.  If  this  is  the  last  work  for  the  great 
cause,  I  do  not  know  where  I  could  better  put  it.  I  have 
paid  over  three  thousand  dollars  for  houses  of  worship 
and  dedicated  more  than  one  hundred.  My  only  regret  is 
that  I  have  not  done  more.  But  God  is  merciful. 
Yours  in  Christ, 

R.  Dunn. 

The  dedication  of  this  church  occurred  during 
the  following  month,  and  in  the  report  of  it  in  the 
Star  were  these  words:  '*  The  church  will  ever 
revere  the  name  of  Dr.  Dunn  for  his  great  work 
and  for  his  interest  in  this  church ;  and  this 
letter,  written  only  four  days  before  he  was 
called  to  better  things,  will  be  treasured  as  of 
priceless  value."  When  the  time  came  for  the 
midweek  prayer  service  at  the  Baptist  church,  he 
said,  '*  I  did  want  to  go  down  to-night  while  the 
weather  is  so  pleasant;  perhaps  I  can't  in  the 
winter."  But  he  had  an  attack  of  severe  neu- 
ralgic pain  that  afternoon,  and  was  feeling  much 
exhausted.  The  care  of  the  doctor  and  his  wife 
made  him  comfortable  the  day  following,  and  he 
attempted  his  usual  walk,  but  found  himself 
weak.      So  he  decided  to   remain   in  the   house 

267 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Friday  and  read  the  papers.  He  was  much  in- 
terested in  the  Presidential  election  of  that  week, 
and  was  reading  the  reports  with  great  interest. 

When  the  afternoon  mail  came  it  brought  him 
two  letters,  which  his  daughter  opened  and  read 
for  him  at  his  request.  Both  were  from  India, 
one  from  Rev.  E.  H.  Lougher,  a  former  student 
at  Hillsdale  and  in  Professor  Dunn's  classes.  His 
wife's  family  were  also  intimate  friends  of  Pro- 
fessor and  Mrs.  Dunn.  Mr.  Lougher's  letter 
closed  thus  :  ''  I  wish  I  could  sit  with  you  and  tell 
you  about  things  as  we  see  them,  and  hear  again 
your  voice  that  helped  me  so  greatly  in  my 
college  days  and  will  follow  me  all  through  life. 
And  let  me  say.  Father  Dunn,  that  if  you  must 
yourself  simply  wait  these  days,  you  must  have 
the  comfort  that  your  boys,  lots  of  them,  are  in 
the  front  ranks  with  the  same  Leader  who  in- 
spired you,  with  the  same  courage  that  held  you 
up.  If  we  do  not  manifest  the  same  power,  yet 
we  will  try  to  make  your  crown  brighter  with 
our  little  lives.  God  bless  you  and  be  your 
comfort."  With  his  usual  modesty  he  demurred 
at  the  implied  influence  of  his  life,  which  he 
thought  was  not  as  great  as  estimated,  but,  with 


CLOSING  DAYS 

his  characteristic  charity  and  kindness  of  heart, 
went  on  to  praise  the  workers  in  India  and  their 
work. 

The  other  letter  was  from  his  daughter,  Mrs. 
Clark  of  Ambala  City  in  the  Punjab,  and  he  sat 
down  at  once  to  answer  it,  as  he  always  did. 
The  letter  was  never  finished.  A  little  voice 
called  at  the  stair,  "  Grandpa,  come  down  to 
supper."  He  loved  to  hear  the  clear  childish 
voice  of  the  little  six-year-old  Edith,  and  said  it 
was  **  the  most  musical  bell  "  he  ever  heard,  and 
so  it  was  her  delight  to  call  him  or  go  up  and 
bring  him  down.  The  pen  and  glasses  were  laid 
down,  and  he  took  his  usual  place  at  the  table. 
A  favorite  dish  was  served  him  to  tempt  the  fail- 
ing appetite  and  assist  the  weak  stomach,  and  he 
ate  it  with  relish.  As  he  started  to  rise  from  the 
table  his  daughter  saw  a  wavering  motion,  the 
husband  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  changed  face ; 
both  were  at  his  side  in  a  moment,  but  he  had 
fallen.  The  doctor  could  fmd  no  pulse,  could 
detect  no  heart  beats,  and  all  efforts  failed  to 
bring  again  any  signs  of  breathing.  The  great 
spirit  had  "quietly  slipped  off  home,"  leaving 
the  casket,  in  which  it  had  spent  so  many  long 

269 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

and  useful  years,  for  loving  friends  to  lay  away. 
The  good  man  had  gone  as  he  had  wished, 
without  suffering  and  pain  and  wasting  disease  to 
bring  care  and  anxiety  to  friends,  and  without 
loss  of  mental  powers  and  faculties.  The  help- 
lessness of  body  and  mind  of  lingering  sickness 
had  been  spared  him,  and  he  had  simply  walked 
in  as  the  gates  opened  and  was  now  where  he 
should  never  more  say,  *M  am  tired."  He  had 
been  waiting  and  watching  patiently  for  a  long 
time,  and  the  messenger  had  come  at  last  sud- 
denly. As  a  friend  beautifully  and  truly  said, 
"the  Father  had  need  of  him,  and  he  was  the 
one  on  whom  he  could  call  at  a  moment's  notice 
because  he  was  so  well  prepared  for  the  great 
work  in  the  Homeland." 

Sunday  afternoon  at  the  twilight  hour  sympa- 
thetic friends  gathered  with  the  family  for  a  few 
words  of  prayer  and  comfort.  The  services  were 
of  a  simple  character,  yet  beautiful  and  impress- 
ive. Rev.  Richard  Hiorns,  an  aged  Methodist 
minister,  led  in  prayer.  Appropriate  Scripture 
passages  were  read.  Then  Dr.  S.  C.  Logan, 
pastor  emeritus  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church, 
who  had  known   E3r.  Dunn  in  his  earlier  years 

270 


CLOSING  DAYS 

when  both  were  pioneer  missionaries  on  the 
Western  frontier,  spoke  of  his  faithful  service  and 
Christian  zeal,  and  told  how  wisely  and  broadly 
he  labored  for  the  building  up  of  Christ's  King- 
dom and  in  the  cause  of  Christian  education. 
Dr.  C.  E.  Robinson,  pastor  of  the  Second  Presby- 
terian church,  who  had  heard  Dr.  Dunn  preach 
forty  years  ago,  paid  a  touching  tribute  to  the 
honored  life  and  saintly  character  of  the  one  who 
had  gone,  and  referred  to  the  influence  he  had  on 
his  own  life,  being  one  of  the  influences  that 
helped  to  lead  him  to  consecrate  his  life  to  the 
ministry. 

Rev.  R.  F.  Y.  Pierce,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  the 
Penn  Avenue  Baptist  church,  spoke  with  much 
feeling  and  with  a  sense  of  personal  bereavement, 
for  Dr.  Dunn  had  been  so  kind  and  thoughtful 
and  helpful  to  him  in  his  varied  ministries.  Dr. 
Pierce's  remarks  were  based  on  Paul's  valedic- 
tory :  'M  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished 
my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith  ;  henceforth 
there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown."  in  developing 
the  thoughts  concerning  the  Christian  warrior, 
the  fight  of  faith,  the  finished  work,  and  the 
victor's  crown,  he  made  the  fitting  applications  to 

271 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

this  conquering  hero  who  had  just  gone  to  his 
reward.  "  The  enlistment,  the  conflicts,  the 
loyalty,  the  laurels  have  their  significant  lessons 
in  the  beautiful  life  and  glorious  service  of  Dr. 
Dunn,  of  whom  we  can  well  say 

"  '  Life's  race  well  run  ; 
Life's  work  well  done  ; 
Life's  crown  well  won  ; 
Now  comes  rest.' 

The  inverted  torch  with  light  gone  out  is  not 
typical  of  his  life,  but  rather  an  index  finger 
pointing  upward,  indicating  that  the  life  has  en- 
tered into  eternal  day  ;  not  the  broken  column, 
signifying  life's  plans  rudely  broken  off,  but 
rather  a  strong,  symmetrical,  polished,  enduring 
pillar  in  the  temple  of  the  King.  To  lead  one 
soul  to  Jesus  Christ,  to  train  one  life  for  holy 
ministry,  is  a  privilege  and  honor ;  but  to  this 
honored  servant  was  granted  unnumbered  joys  in 
the  many  who  will  rise  to  call  him  blessed  in  the 
day  of  his  coronation.*'  Dr.  Pierce  spoke  of  him 
as  "  2i  man  of  rare  culture,  logical  in  argument, 
fearless  in  statement,  eloquent  in  appeal,  fervent 
in  zeal,  loving  in  ministry,  eminent  in  piety,  and 
faithful  in  service.     A  precious  memory  will  be 

272 


CLOSING  DAYS 

his  life  to  the  many  students  who  have  profited 
by  his  instructions ;  but  far  more  precious  is  the 
legacy  to  the  loved  ones  of  his  heart  —  a  Chris- 
tian father's  exalted  virtues  and  noble  character. 
Could  the  silent  lips  be  unsealed  we  would  hear 
the  sweet  refrain,  '  Remember  the  words  I  spake 
while  I  was  yet  with  you.'  " 
After  these  remarks  a  sweet  voice  sang 

"  There  is  never  a  day  so  dreary  but  God  will  give  thee 
light, 
And  unto  the  soul  that  trusts  him  he  giveth  songs  in  the 
night," 

and  the  two  sad  hearts  started  on  their  long  night 
journey  to  the  old  home,  with  their  ''dark 
freight,  a  vanished  life."  Their  son,  Wayland 
Dunn^Gates,  had  just  entered  college  at  Hillsdale, 
and  he  and  other  college  friends  met  them  at  the 
station.  The  older  daughter,  Mrs.  Slayton,  and 
her  husband,  had  arrived  from  Nebraska,  being 
summoned  from  a  quarterly  meeting  which  they 
were  attending  in  Kansas,  where  Rev.  H.  M. 
Ford"  and  JMr.  H.  S.  Myers  were  among  the 
speakers,  and  they  and  other  kind  friends  made 
arrangements  for  this  unexpected  journey. 

273 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Neighbors  met  the  sad  party  at  the  old  home, 
and  in  the  unchanged  parlor  where  so  many  happy 
days  had  been  enjoyed,  where  some  such  sad 
hours  had  been  spent,  placed  the  quiet  sleeper. 
The  faces  of  the  mother  who  had  gone  and  the 
sister  who  could  not  come  looked  down  upon 
them  from  the  wall ;  old  friends  gathered  around 
them,  as  they  looked  on  the  good,  gray  head  that 
all  men  loved,  the  dear  kind  face  that  for  so 
many  years  had  been  the  embodiment  of  all  that 
was  truest  and  best  in  life,  and  was  now  to  be 
theirs  only  in  memory.  '*  God's  fmger  had 
touched  him  and  he  slept,"  and  ''the  Lord  had 
kissed  away  his  soul." 


274 


XIII 

IN  MEMORIAM 

At  two  o'clock  Monday  afternoon,  Nov.  ii, 
1900,  a  procession  of  faculty  and  students 
marched  from  the  Centre  Building  of  the  college 
to  the  home  of  Professor  Dunn,  where  since  his 
wife's  death  his  •  apartments  had  been  kept  in 
readiness  for  him  whenever  he  should  choose  to 
return,  and  where  he  now  rested  for  the  last 
time.  Rev.  Philip  Graif,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  the 
church,  led  a  brief  service  of  prayer  at  the  house  ; 
then  the  family  and  friends  in  carriages  followed 
the  hearse  with  its  precious  burden  to  the  church, 
led  by  the  escort  of  honor  of  the  student  body. 
By  proclamation  of  the  mayor  all  the  business 
houses  of  the  city  were  closed  during  the  hours 
of  the  funeral.  A  large  audience  had  gathered, 
not  only  from  the  city,  but  from  the  surrounding 
country   and   other  cities.     Floral  tributes  were 

275 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

many  and, beautiful,  but  the  silent  tears  of  heart- 
felt sorrow  of  the  many  friends  assembled  were 
the  greatest  tribute  to  his  life  and  memory. 

''  Asleep  in  Jesus,"  the  dear  old  hymn  that 
had  been  sung  at  former  funerals  in  the  family, 
was  sung.  The  service  was  in  charge  of  Prof. 
J.  T.  Ward,  who  read  passages  of  comfort  and 
assurance  from  the  Word.  Dr.  Graif  and  Rev.  J. 
B.  Lash  offered  prayer.  Memorial  addresses 
were  then  given.  Hon.  F.  M.  Stewart  of  Hills- 
dale gave  an  address  full  of  earnestness  and  feel- 
ing, representing  the  citizens  and  trustees,  re- 
ferring to  Dr.  Dunn's  long  life  among  them  and 
his  consistent  example  and  spirit  of  helpfulness 
in  Hillsdale,  where  his  going  would  leave  a  vac- 
uum never  to  be  filled. 

Prof.  C.  H.  Gurney  then  spoke  for  the  faculty 
and  students  as  follows  : 

In  coming  here  to-day,  I  have  felt  in  some  way  that  I 
would  be  more  in  a  proper  place  could  I  sit  with  the  rela- 
tives and  family  of  our  deceased  friend.  I  am  conscious, 
too,  that  probably  a  majority  of  those  who  have  assembled 
here  on  this  "  sad  occasion  dear  "  have  much  the  same 
feeling.  Professor  Dunn  came  so  near  to  those  he  knew 
that  this  kinship  was  easily  inbred.  I  regret  exceedingly 
that  President  Mosher  cannot  be  here  to  represent  the 
276 


IN  MEMORIAM 

faculty  —  a  thing  he  could  do  so  well  —  and  thus  speak 
the  graceful  and  appropriate  tribute  now  due.  Much  as  I 
dislike  any  public  notice,  I  yet  deem  it  a  privilege  to  bring 
my  humble  tribute  of  respect  and  affection.  From  the 
membership  of  this  church  there  have  gone  in  a  short 
time  just  past  some  of  the  choicest  of  spirits.  Were  these 
walls  one  great  phonograph,  what  a  chorus  of  prayer  and 
praise  might  be  made  to  greet  our  ears.  Holy  men  and 
women  have  here  given  renewed  expression  to  the  highest 
and  richest  experiences  of  the  devout  soul.  We  all  agree 
that  in  that  great  chorus  of  lofty  aspiration  the  voice  of 
Professor  Dunn  would  be  distinctly  discerned  —  pure  and 
sweet  and  strong. 

For  a  third  of  a  century  it  has  been  my  privilege  to 
know  our  dear  brother.  In  the  fall  of  '68,  just  before 
leaving  my  home  to  enter  college  in  Hillsdale,  Rev,  O.  D. 
Patch,  then  pastor  of  the  Kewanee,  111.,  Free  Baptist 
church,  and  now  pastor  in  Manchester,  N.  H.,  said  to 
me :  "  Well,  you  are  going  away  to  college.  You'll  need 
some  friend  to  whom  you  can  go  when  you  are  away  from 
home.  There  is  Professor  Dunn,  who  has  a  heart  as  big 
as  the  world ;  you  can  go  to  him  and  always  find  a 
friend."  By  request  of  Mr.  Patch  I  stopped  over  night  at 
White  Pigeon,  Mich.,  with  his  brother-in-law,  I.  L.  Stone, 
superintendent  of  the  public  schools.  Before  leaving  Mr. 
Stone  he  said  :  "  There  is  one  man  in  Hillsdale  who  will 
always  be  ready  to  listen  to  anything  you  need  ;  that  man 
Is  Professor  Dunn."  I  entered  school;  the  term  moved 
on  as  most  terms  do  with  unsophisticated  boys  from  the 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

country.  Before  the  term  closed  some  peculiar  perplexities 
faced  me  —  such  perplexities  as  face  boys  unused  to  the 
life  of  a  large  school  and  the  ways  of  the  world.  I  needed 
a  friend  to  whom  I  could  speak  my  heart.  Then  I  thought 
of  the  words  of  my  friends.  I  sought  and  found  Professor 
Dunn.  I  told  him  my  troubles.  He  listened.  Nor  was 
his  a  dull  or  deaf  ear.  I  realized  then  a  meaning  in  the 
words  of  the  great  Goldsmith  as  he  characterized  the 
Vicar :  "  He  watched  and  wept  and  felt  and  prayed  for 
all." 

Here  was  one  of  the  great  characteristics  of  Professor 
Dunn's  life  —  his  large  heart,  his  abounding  sympathy, 
his  great  soul  that  embraced  the  world  in  its  reach.  This 
characteristic  made  him  a  great  blessing  especially  to  the 
younger  members  of  the  faculty.  How  his  sympathy 
with  every  struggling  student  has  made  faculty  sympathy 
for  student  life.  To  all  the  members  of  the  faculty,  I 
think  another  characteristic  — his  faith  in  human  kind, 
his  confidence  in  ultimate  right,  and  his  unshaken  belief 
in  a  future  —  has  been  a  blessing  beyond  expression. 
When  others  became  despondent,  when  the  outlook 
seemed  somewhat  gloomy,  he  with  cheerfulness  and  con- 
fidence always  added  words  of  courage.  His  faith  in 
Hillsdale  College  and  its  future  was  a  thing  sublime. 
That  faith  gave  courage  to  many  other  hearts.  When 
others  thought  possibly  evil  influences  and  machinations 
might  eventually  succeed,  his  confidence  was  unshaken, 
and  he  saw  the  right  triumph. 
278 


IN  MEMORIAM 

In  things  religious  he  seemed  to  know  things  intuitively. 
Questions  that  to  other  members  of  the  faculty  took  long 
reasoning,  and  then  came  not  very  clearly,  seemed  to  come 
to  him  like  an  intuition  ;  and  he  was  right.  That  sense 
was  to  the  faculty  more  than  once  a  source  of  strength. 
This  was  shown  some  years  ago  when  one  of  those  who 
to-day  comes  from  a  distance  to  participate  in  these  sad 
rites  was  a  member  of  the  senior  rhetoric  class.  One  of 
the  examples  for  correction  was  on  a  definition  of  life.  All 
the  definitions  given  were  tested  by  the  rules  of  logical 
definition  and  found  faulty.  Other  definitions  were 
offered,  and  none  would  stand  the  test.  The  statement 
was  made  in  conclusion  that  "  life  is  a  thing  indefinable." 
That  morning  as  1  went  to  chapel,  Professor  Dunn  sat 
in  behind  the  old  stove  trying  to  get  warm.  I  said : 
"  Professor  Dunn,  tell  me  something ;  why  can  we  not 
define  life?  We  can  get  the  genus,  why  cannot  we  get  a 
differentia  and  so  find  the  species  ? "  "Oh,"  said  he,  "  we 
don't  need  it.  Life  is  life.  That  is  enough."  "  But," 
said  I,  "  that  is  not  a  definition  ;  we  haven't  finished."  I 
wish  you  could  see  the  features  that  lit  up  as  the  soul 
shone  forth  in  its  radiance.  With  a  characteristic  gesture 
pointing  to  his  life,  then  with  outstretched  arm  and  index 
finger  pointing  to  the  Great  Beyond :  "  LIFE  IS  LIFE.  I 
feel  it  here,  and  I  know  it  therey  Immortality  was  to  him 
a  grand  present  reality. 

The  time  fails  me  to  speak  of  other  characteristics  1  fain 
would  mention.  Only  this  :  to  the  faculty  and  to  all  men, 
he  had  the  largest  possible  charity.  He  thought  ill  of  no 
279 


A  CONSECRATED   LIFE 

man,  nor  of  the  motives  of  any.  Whatever  treatment  he 
received,  he  always  accorded  good  intention  to  all.  In  this 
he  had  a  large  reward.  It  may  truthfully  and  modestly  be 
said  that  no  one  ever  lived  in  Hillsdale  who  was  accorded 
a  higher  meed  of  respect  and  honor  than  he.  He  was 
universally  beloved.  He  has  a  full  reward  in  the  glory 
world,  and  he  has  also  a  large  reward  here.  Of  him  the 
words  of  the  immortal  Gray  are  eminently  true  : 

"  Large  was  his  bounty  and  his  soul  sincere, 
Heaven  did  a  recompense  as  largely  send." 

Rev.  L.  A.  Crandall,  D.  D.,  of  Chicago  repre- 
sented the  alumni  of  the  college,  and  in  an 
eloquent  address  spoke  of  Dr.  Dunn's  personal 
influence : 

The  influence  of  Professor  Dunn  can  never  pass  from 
my  life,  or  my  love  for  him  from  out  my  heart.  I  entered 
Hillsdale  College  in  the  fall  of  1870.  At  that  time  Pro- 
fessor Dunn  had  been  temporarily  released  from  his  many 
duties  in  connection  with  the  college  and  was  seeking 
renewed  health  and  strength  on  his  Western  farm.  In  an 
hour  of  peculiar  exigency  the  authorities  of  the  college 
urged  him  to  return  at  once ;  and,  as  always,  the  need  of 
the  college  was  his  summons  to  toil.  The  Sunday  after 
his  return  he  preached  in  the  college  church,  and  I  saw 
him  for  the  first  time.  From  that  hour  I  trusted  Ransom 
Dunn  absolutely.  Why?  Because  of  the  man.  Because 
the  ring  of  absolute  genuineness  was  in  all  he  said  and 
did.  The  fullest  explanation  of  his  power  as  a  preacher 
280 


IN  MEMORIAM 

and  platform  speaker  is  found  in  his  personality.     I  do  not  ( 
mean   his  temperament  simply,  the  sensitive,  nervously  ^ 
organized  temperament,  but  the  back-lying  character.    He 
did,   indeed,   possess   in    unusual    degree   the    oratorical 
instinct.     Having  only  this,  plus  oratorical  training,  he  I 
would  have  been  a  pleasing  and  popular  platform  speaker  ;  J 
but  with  only  this  equipment  he  could  never  have  become  \ 
the  tremendous  moral  force  which  we  know  him  to  have   • 
been.     To  an  acute   mind,  marvelous  command  of  lan- 
guage,  impassioned    delivery,   elemental  force,   must  be  •. 
added  lofty  ideals,  intense  conviction,  unselfish  purpose,  a    ! 
pure  heart,  a  broad  and  unfailing  love,  before  we  discover  / 
the  secret  of  his  power. 

In  1844  Chicago  was  a  village  of  some  8000  inhabitants, 
and  the  few  settlers  in  the  great  Middle  West  were  strug- 
gling with  primitive  forces.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  the 
Free  Baptist  General  Conference  met  at  Unadilla  Forks, 
N.  Y.  One  of  the  topics  discussed  was  missionary  work 
in  the  West.  My  father,  who  was  present,  has  told  of  a 
most  impressive  scene  in  the  progress  of  that  discussion. 
A  young  man  spoke  out  of  knowledge  gained  by  arduous 
toil  in  Ohio.  The  young  man  knew  both  East  and  West, 
and  fully  conscious  of  all  that  was  involved  of  sacrifice 
and  toil  in  the  choice,  he  turned  to  his  friend,  William 
Burr,  and  said,  "  Brother  Burr,  bid  my  friends  in  Dover 
good-bye  for  me;  I  give  my  life  to  the  West."  That 
young  man  was  Ransom  Dunn,  and  only  eternity  can 
reveal  all  that  the  gift  made  that  day  meant  to  our  great 
West. 

281 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  some  historian  will  arise  who  shall 
write  the  record  of  Hillsdale  College  out  of  full  knowledge 
and  sympathetic  interest.  Until  that  time  comes  we  can- 
not hope  to  have  any  adequate  presentation  of  the  lifework 
of  Professor  Dunn.  Some  of  us  feel  the  greatness  and 
value  of  that  work,  but  cannot  command  the  historical 
details  essential  to  its  worthy  portrayal.  We  all  know 
how  incessant  was  his  labor,  how  wide  and  deep  and 
beneficent  his  influence.  We  realize  that  his  influence 
was  not  limited  to  the  classroom  or  pulpit.  When,  some- 
time, we  are  given  vision  to  see  things  as  they  are,  we 
shall  discern  the  generative  influence  of  our  friend  and 
teacher.  Then  will  pass  in  procession  before  us  the  lives 
that  his  touch  awakened,  the  men  and  women  who  were 
first  made  conscious  of  their  intellectual  and  moral  poverty 
through  contact  with  Ransom  Dunn.  It  is  a  great  thing 
to  furnish  food  for  intellectual  hunger.  To  awaken  that 
hunger  is  a  work  of  no  less  importance.  It  was  Professor 
Dunn's  high  privilege  not  only  to  teach  the  awakened,  but 
to  awaken  the  sleeping. 

In  these  last  days  of  the  dying  century  we  rejoice  in  an 
educational  renaissance,  and  in  the  great  gifts  which  men 
of  wealth  are  bestowing  upon  institutions  of  learning. 
We  cannot  question  that  the  gifts  are  wisely  utilized  in 
advancing  our  civilization,  and  we  accord  all  honor  to  the 
princely  givers.  But  there  are  no  money  measurements 
for  the  gift  which  this  man  made  to  Hillsdale  and  so  to 
humanity.  He  gave  his  life-blood.  All  that  he  had,  all 
that  he  was,  all  that  he  could  accomplish,  he  gave  with 
282 


IN  MEMORIAM 

joy  to  us.  We  call  him  dead.  We  shall  hear  his  voice 
and  clasp  his  hand  no  more.  But  he  still  lives,  aye,  and 
shall  continue  to  live  adown  the  centuries,  in  this  institu- 
tion which  he  served  with  such  matchless  devotion  and  in 
the  lives  which  he  inspired  and  shaped. 

Rev.  Mrs.  Ellen  A.  Copp  then  spoke  on  Dr. 
Dunn  in  his  relations  to  the  denomination  : 

Professor  Dunn's  relationship  with  the  denomination 
began  when  at  the  age  of  sixteen  he  was  baptized  and 
united  with  the  Free  Baptist  church.  The  conviction  that 
he  ought  to  preach  the  gospel  came  to  him  a  short  time 
afterward  while  reading  an  appeal  to  young  men  to  enter 
the  Western  mission  field.  At  eighteen  he  was  licensed  to 
preach,  and  at  once  entered  upon  his  lifework. 

Coming  to  Ohio  he  first  met  the  Western  ministers  at  a 
yearly  meeting.  Amusing  anecdotes  are  told  of  the  first 
meeting,  of  the  hesitation  of  the  ministerial  brethren  about 
inviting  him  to  preach.  It  is  believed  that  while  hoeing 
corn  to  pay  his  board  the  fire  was  burning  in  his  soul.  At 
least  no  audience  was  ever  more  completely  taken  by 
storm  than  was  the  company  of  staid,  sober  people  who 
assembled  on  Saturday  morning  to  hear  the  boy  preacher 
"exhort." 

His  success  was  phenomenal.     Moral  earnestness,  clear, 

logical  thought,   deep    spirituality,  personal    magnetism, 

and  a  voice  of  marvelous  power  and  sweetness  were  the 

gifts  with  which  he  was  endowed.     He  was  ordained  in 

283 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

1837,  and  in  those  early  days  he  went  from  church  to 
church  studying  during  the  daytime  and  preaching  in  the 
evening.  Everywhere  revivals  attended  the  preaching. 
It  was  not  an  uncommon  occurrence  in  those  days  for  three 
or  four  to  become  overpowered  and  fall  insensible  during 
the  service. 

To  announce  that  Ransom  Dunn  would  preach  was 
sufficient  to  draw  crowds.  Old  Free  Baptists  still  affirm 
that  just  to  hear  Elder  Dunn  read  a  hymn  was  better  than  a 
sermon  from  almost  any  other  man.  He  was  the  foremost 
Free  Baptist  minister  of  the  West. 

In  the  days  of  pioneer  work  Elder  Dunn  added  much  to 
the  denominational  growth  and  strength  by  visiting  many 
churches  and  quarterly  meetings  as  an  evangelist.  He 
also  held  important  pastorates  both  in  the  West  and  East, 
and  he  established  new  churches  in  Ohio,  Illinois,  Wis- 
consin, and  other  States.  The  influence  of  the  spiritual 
training  of  the  churches  founded  by  Elder  Dunn  is  still 
discernible.  The  soundness  of  doctrinal  views  and  a 
certain  clearness  of  conviction  and  strength  of  Christian 
character  mark  the  membership  of  those  churches. 

As  a  boy  and  man  Elder  Dunn  was  fond  of  study,  and 
a  part  of  his  evangelistic  effort  was  the  searching  out 
promising  young  men  and  encouraging  and  inspiring  them 
with  ambition  and  holy  zeal  for  an  education.  Among 
others  two  young  men  in  particular,  since  prominent  in 
the  denomination,  G.  H.  Ball  and  J.  S.  Manning,  were 
converted  and  led  to  fit  themselves  for  the  ministry 
through  his  efforts. 

284 


IN  MEMORIAM 

Because  of  his  interest  in  education  he  was  appointed  a 
member  of  a  committee  to  consider  the  establishment  of  a 
seminary  in  Ohio.  Geauga  Seminary,  the  school  which 
produced  Garfield,  Hinsdale,  and  other  prominent  men, 
was  the  result  of  the  work  of  that  committee. 

In  1852  Elder  Dunn  was  called  from  Wisconsin  to 
become  field  agent  for  the  new  college  just  being  estab- 
lished in  Michigan.  In  the  two  years  following  he  trav- 
eled with  horse  and  carriage  over  six  thousand  m.iles  in 
the  interests  of  Hillsdale  College,  securing  over  twenty 
thousand  dollars  for  its  endowment.  With  a  father's 
loving  care  he  watched  the  growth  of  the  college.  In  the 
capacity  of  field  agent,  professor  of  Moral  Philosophy, 
Burr  professor  of  Christian  Theology,  and  acting  presi- 
dent. Dr.  Dunn  was  an  able  man,  and  to  the  day  of  his 
death  a  loyal  friend  to  the  college.  In  all  these  varied 
fields  of  labor  he  always  sought  the  interests  of  the  de- 
nomination. A  Free  Baptist  through  and  through  he 
expected  of  others  what  he  himself  gave— whole-hearted 
service  to  his  chosen  denomination  as  the  best  means  of 
advancing  the  cause  of  Christ  in  the  world. 

Professor  D.  B.  Reed  was  the  last  speaker. 
He  said  : 

As  my  mind  sweeps  back  over  more  than  twenty  years 

of  somewhat  intimate  acquaintance  with  Dr.  Dunn,  I  find 

that  I  invariably  associate  that  name  with  life,  activity, 

and  consistent,  aggressive  Christian  work.     It  is  difficult 

285 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

for  us  to  believe  that  he  is  dead.  And  need  we,  who  have 
the  full  light  of  the  New  Testament?  The  visible  form, 
through  which  his  life's  activities  were  wont  to  manifest 
themselves,  has  ceased  to  perform  its  normal  functions ; 
but  we  do  not  forget  that  these  words  once  fell  from  the 
lips  of  our  divine  Lord  and  Master:  "Let  not  your  heart 
be  troubled  ;  ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  me.  In  my 
Father's  house  are  many  mansions ;  if  it  were  not  so,  I 
would  have  told  you.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  I 
will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself,  that  where 
I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also."  I  esteem  it  a  great  privilege, 
although  a  sad  one,  to  speak  a  few  words  on  this  occasion. 

I  shall  speak  of  him  as  a  friend,  as  a  member  of  the 
church,  as  a  Christian,  and  in  the  home.  As  a  friend  Dr. 
Dunn  was  steadfast,  candid,  helpful.  He  was  helpful  in 
his  counsel,  helpful  in  financial  straits,  helpful  in  his  cheer- 
ful outlook  upon  the  ultimate  success  of  faithful  endeavor. 
He  seemed  to  understand  at  a  glance  the  true  situation  of 
affairs,  and  so  his  counsel  was  of  great  worth.  More 
than  one  student  can  testify  to  the  help  which  he  has 
received  in  times  of  financial  embarrassment  from  Dr. 
Dunn,  and  many  more  have  been  lifted  from  despondency 
by  his  cheerful  outlook  with  respect  to  the  future.  Could 
all  those  who  have  been  thus  helped  by  Professor  Dunn 
enter  that  door  to-day  what  a  procession  it  would  be  ! 

For  many  years  Dr.  Dunn  sustained  to  the  Free  Baptist 

church  of  Hillsdale  the  twofold  relation   of   pastor  and 

member.    As  a  preacher  Dr.  Dunn  was  one  of  the  most 

remarkable  that  the  denomination  has  produced.     The 

286 


IN  MEMORIAM 

sources  of  his  remarkable  power  were  his  personal  mag- 
netism, rare  dialectical  powers,  deep  emotional  nature, 
vivid  religious  experience,  and  an  overwhelming  sense  of 
man's  lost  and  undone  condition  apart  from  salvation  in 
Christ.  When  we  speak  of  Dr.  Dunn  as  a  pastor  we 
must  remember  that  he  carried  the  heavy  work  of  a 
teacher  during  most  of  the  time  in  which  he  served  the 
church  ;  also  that  the  churches  in  the  West  looked  to  him 
for  counsel  and  support.  Yet  he  found  time  to  do  much 
pastoral  work.  The  sunshine  of  his  presence  enlivened 
the  sick  chambers,  and  the  unconverted  were  personally 
solicited  to  yield  to  the  authority  of  Christ. 

As  a  member  of  the  church  he  was  faithful  — faithful  in 
his  attendance  upon  the  regular  services,  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  his  financial  obligations,  faithful  in  helping 
to  meet  the  extraordinary  duties  to  which  emergencies  gave 
rise.  As  a  Christian  he  had  a  positive  conviction  as 
regards  the  doctrinal  system  of  the  Biblical  writings.  The 
Bible  was  to  him  the  Word  of  God.  He  was  an  ambas- 
sador of  God.  It  was  not  for  him  to  proclaim  to  the 
world  his  own  message;  hence  he  felt  a  divine  necessity 
laid  upon  him  to  make  sure  of  the  message  contained  in 
the  revelation  of  his  Lord  and  Master. 

He  knew,  however,  that  God  was  greater  than  a  doc-  1 
trinal  system,  greater  than  a  creed,  and  hence  his  religious 
life  did  not  simply  consist  in  the  assent  of  his  mind  to  a 
doctrinal  system,  but  pre-eminently  in  a  sublime  faith  in 
God  as  a  personal  friend.  He  believed  that  God  walked 
with  him  ;  he  believed  that  God  led  him  to  the  field  of  his 
287 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

life's  activity  ;  he  believed  in  prayer ;  he  believed  that  God 
was  good,  and  that  he  would  work  all  things  together  for 
good  to  those  that  love  him.  His  was  a  fervid  piety  which 
seemed  at  times  to  pierce  the  veil  which  hides  the  unseen 
holies  from  man's  ordinary  vision  and  enables  one  to  speak 
with  the  authority  of  a  seer. 

It  is  above  all  in  the  home  life  where  the  supreme  test  of 
character  is  made,  and  in  the  home  were  revealed  the  ster- 
ling qualities  of  Dr.  Dunn's  character.  In  the  home  Dr. 
Dunn  was  always  helpful.  He  was  considerate ;  he  did 
not  forget  those  little  things  which  help  so  much  to  make 
up  the  sweet  amenities  of  life.  His  firmness  coupled  with 
love  enabled  him  to  control  in  the  home  with  but  little 
apparent  discipline,  while  his  wise  counsels  won  implicit 
confidence.  In  the  hour  of  sickness  his  devotion  was 
sublime. 

In  some  respects  the  home  life  of  Dr.  Dunn  reminds  one 
of  the  father  of  John  G.  Paton.  "  To  the  mid  room  or 
closet,"  says  Paton,  'Maily  and  often  we  saw  our  father 
retire  and  shut  the  door,  and  we  children  got  to  understand 
by  a  sort  of  spiritual  instinct  (for  the  thing  was  too  sacred 
to  be  talked  about)  that  prayers  were  being  poured  out 
there  for  us,  as  of  old  by  the  high  priest  within  the  veil  in 
the  Most  Holy  Place."  Thus  with  the  home  life  of  Dr. 
Dunn.  His  prayers,  his  Scripture  readings,  and  the  deep 
spiritual  atmosphere  which  pervaded  his  life  are  among 
the  most  precious  memories. 

We  close  our  rem.arks  upon  the  home  life  of  Dr.  Dunn 
with  a  beautiful  tribute  from  the  pen  of  Mrs.  Delcie  Gates 
288 


IN  MEMORIAM 

Browning,  who  knew  him  intimately  in  his  homer 
"People  who  saw  Dr.  Dunn  in  public,  listened  to  his 
eloquent  addresses  and  were  touched  by  his  magnetic 
force,  only  knew  half  the  beauty  and  grandeur  of  his 
nature.  It  was  in  his  home  that  one  was  inspired  with  ■ 
the  true  nobility  of  his  character.  It  could  be  truly  said  of 
our  dear  friend  one  could  '  fmd  no  fault  in  him '  in  his 
relations  to  his  family,  so  kind  and  considerate  to  all,  like 
a  mother  in  his  tenderness  and  thoughtfulness  for  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  those  around  him.  This  same 
sweet  spirit  pervaded  his  life  to  the  last,  always  anxious  \ 
to  make  as  little  trouble  as  possible,  and  ever  desirous  of 
adding  to  the  pleasures  of  those  about  him,  whenever  he 
could.  To  have  been  intimately  acquainted  with  such  a 
character  is  a  privilege  and  an  inspiration  to  live  a  truer 
and  better  life." 

Rev.  T.  C.  Lawrence  of  Cleveland  made  the 
closing  prayer,  and  while  the  choir  sang  **  Abide 
with  Me,"  the  vast  assemblage  passed  out,  paus- 
ing to  look  once  more  at  the  face  of  the  one 
whom  they  would  never  see  in  Hillsdale  again, 
but  whose  memory  will  ever  be  held  sacred 
there.  As  with  bowed  heads  they  stood  at  the 
open  grave  with  its  rim  of  green  and  flowers,  and 
heard  the  pastor  read,  'M  am  the  resurrection  and 
the  life,"  they  felt  to  answer,  '*He  is  not  here; 

289 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

he  is  risen."  We  know  he  lives  still,  not  only  in 
our  hearts  and  in  our  memories,  but  "forever 
with  the  Lord." 


The  denominational  papers  and  the  secular 
papers,  both  local  and  metropolitan,  contained 
notices  of  the  death  of  Professor  Dunn.  The 
Free  baptist  of  Nov.  13  said  :  **  The  sad  news 
comes  to  us  as  we  go  to  press  that  Prof.  Ransom 
Dunn,  D.  D.,  so  long  a  familiar  figure  in  all  de- 
nominational gatherings,  has  gone  to  his  reward. 
The  denomination  at  large  will  be  mourner  at  the 
loss  of  this,  our  '  Grand  Old  Man,'  who  has 
stood  so  long  and  so  nobly  for  all  that  is  good  and 
great."  The  Morning  Star  of  Nov.  15  had  this 
editorial:  "Who  could  expect  that  our  famous 
pioneer  preacher,  church  builder,  school  and  col- 
lege builder,  our  veteran  prince  in  Israel,  Pro- 
fessor Ransom  Dunn,  could  remain  always  with 
us?  He  is  not,  so  far  as  bodily  presence  on 
earth  goes,  for  God  has  taken  him.  An  inex- 
pressible sense  of  bereavement  will  pervade 
thousands  of  minds  and  hearts  as  the  knowledge 
of  this  event  comes  like  a  most  unwelcome  visit- 
ant.     For  Dr.  Dunn  was   one  on    whom   hosts 

290 


IN  MEMORIAM 

have  leaned,  as  they  have  lived  the  life  of  hope, 
faith,  and  love,  on  the  pilgrimage  toward  heaven ; 
and  the  realization  that  he  has  passed  '  beyond 
the  river '  will  beget  something  of  the  feeling 
which  the  disciples  knew  after  the  Lord  had 
ascended  to  glory.  This  is  a  bold  but  truthful 
saying.  Brother  Dunn  was  only  a  man,  but 
what  a  man  !  Taken  all  in  all,  we  shall  not  look 
upon  his  like  again.  Long  has  he  lingered  in  the 
green  pastures  and  by  the  still  waters  of  Beulah 
land.  His  old  age  has  been  saintly,  and  a  rare 
benediction.  Now  in  *  sweet  fields  beyond  the 
swelling  flood  '  he  knows  the  bliss  he  has  often 
so  eloquently  described  and  gladly  anticipated." 

The  same  issue  contained  the  account  of  his 
sudden  death,  written  by  his  son-in-law,  Dr.  L. 
M.  Gates,  with  this  heartfelt  tribute:  "He  has 
been  living  with  us  for  the  past  two  years,  and 
while  it  has  been  apparent  that  his  strength  was 
growing  less,  the  suddenness  of  the  going  comes 
as  a  great  shock.  His  mind  was  ever  clear,  and 
his  trust  in  God  so  childlike  that  his  presence 
with  us  seemed  like  a  benediction." 

Our  Journal  of  Keuka  College,  N.  Y.,  spoke  of 
*'  his  long  life  full  of  hard,  successful  work.     He 

291 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

was  a  great  revivalist,  and  hundreds  were  saved 
through  his  preaching.  He  was  a  leader  with 
Hale,  Whittier,  and  others  in  the  antislavery  re- 
form, and  a  constant  temperance  agitator.  For 
over  forty  years  he  was  a  professor  in  the  theo- 
logical school  at  Hillsdale,  and  did  more  for  that 
institution,  perhaps,  than  any  other  man.  He 
was  a  scholar,  in  spite  of  weak  eyes  that  forbade 
much  study  when  young,  for  he  studied  all  his 
life.  He  was  a  prodigious  worker,  though  he 
carried  ever  a  frail  body,  for  he  had  great  faith  in 
God.  He  loved  much.  He  was  universally  be- 
loved." 

The  papers  of  other  denominations  also  com- 
mented on  his  death  and  character.  The  Reli- 
gious Intelligencer  said  that  **his  life  was  good 
and  great,"  while  the  Messenger  (General  Bap- 
tist) called  him  **  one  of  the  greatest  liberal 
Baptists  who  have  ever  lived."  Everywhere,  Will 
Carleton's  paper,  closed  the  obituary  notice  with 
these  words:  ''He  was  a  man  of  extraordinary 
eloquence  and  magnetism,  and  incessant  energy 
and  activity  ;  and  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
pulpit  orators  that  our  country  has  produced." 

292 


IN  MEMORIAM 


The  local  papers  had  full  accounts  of  his  death 
and  funeral,  with  comments  on  his  life  and  work. 
The  Standard:  "The  news  wired  to  friends  in 
this   city  Saturday  was  a  shock   to  all,  causing 
sadness  in  every  home  where  Dr.  Dunn's  great 
worth  was  known  so  well.     He  was  truly  a  re- 
markable  man,  having  realized    in  his   eventful 
life,  by  the  force  of  his  ability,  perseverance,  and 
determination,  many  of  the  high  ideals  he  kept 
ever  before  him,  things  which  others  are  content 
to  dream.      How   able  a  preacher   he   was   the 
people  of  Hillsdale  are  glad  to  testify.     But  it  is 
with  the  founders  of  the   college   here   that  his 
name  will  ever  be  inseparably  connected.      For 
nearly  fifty   years    Dr.    Dunn    has   labored   and 
prayed  for  Hillsdale  College  ;  through  all  its  suc- 
cesses   and    vicissitudes    he   has    stood   faithful, 
helpful,  and  inspiring.   ...  Let  us  hope  that  his 
lifelong  devotion  may  fall  as  a  mantle  on  those 
who  are  left  to  carry  on  the  work."     The  Demo- 
crat:   "No   sketch   can   adequately  portray  the 
immense  influence  which  this  man's  personality 
has  had  upon  Hillsdale  College,  its  student  body, 
its   alumni,    and   the    community   in   which   the 
school  is  located.      Dr.  Dunn  was  one  of  those 

293 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

fearless,  sturdy,  forceful  characters  of  the  early 
settlement  of  the  Middle  West.  He  had  the 
missionary  spirit  which  redeemed  continents,  and 
the  unwavering  religious  faith  which  in  earlier 
centuries  made  the  martyrs.  In  the  width  and 
breadth  of  the  esteem  and  respect  in  which  he 
has  always  been  held  by  the  thousands  who  have 
gone  out  from  Hillsdale  College  to  useful  and 
active  life  all  over  the  world  is  found  the  best 
and  truest  measure  of  the  man." 

The  Collegian,  the  Hillsdale  College  journal, 
gave  a  sketch  of  his  life  which  "  enumerated  a 
few  of  the  more  striking  events  in  a  long  life  of 
usefulness,"  and  closed  with  this  tribute  of  sin- 
cere respect :  "To  the  young  people  who  to-day 
throng  the  halls  of  Hillsdale  College,  and  whose 
feet  hurry  up  and  down  the  stairways  worn  by 
his  footsteps  for  so  many  years,  such  an  outline 
can  convey  no  idea  of  what  his  life  has  meant  to 
Hillsdale.  No  title  was  ever  more  deserved  than 
that  of  *  The  Father  of  Hillsdale  College.'  From 
the  day  he  looked  about  him  in  the  wilderness 
which  then  spread  over  College  Hill  and  said, 
'We  will  have  a  college  here,'  to  the  hour  he 
breathed  his  last  on  Friday,  Hillsdale,  her  present 

294 


IN  MEMORIAM 

welfare  and  her  outlook  for  the  future,  have 
always  been  dear  to  his  heart.  And  dear  to  him, 
too,  was  the  respect  —  nay,  the  reverence  —  with 
which  he  was  cherished  in  the  hearts  of  those 
men  of  younger  years  upon  whose  shoulders  have 
fallen  the  responsibilities  and  duties  of  our  col- 
lege. We  who  did  not  know  him  when  the  fire 
of  youth  yet  lighted  his  keen  eyes,  and  when 
resistless  eloquence  poured  from  those  lips  that 
now  are  silent,  would  bring  at  this  hour  our 
homage  to  the  memory  of  one  whose  influence 
will  be  as  lasting  as  his  life  was  pure  and  true." 
But  possibly  the  best  obituaries  that  appeared 
were  those  from  the  pen  of  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Mosher, 
LL.  D.,  President  of  Hillsdale  College.  He  said 
of  them  himself,  ''  I  was  much  dissatisfied,  but  I 
console  myself  by  reflecting  that  all  the  people 
know  the  dear  man  was  better  and  nobler  than 
any  account  we  can  give  of  him."  But  friends 
who  read  them  felt  that  they  were  true  and  sym- 
pathetic, worthy  the  subject  and  the  author. 
President  Mosher  was  attending  a  denominational 
gathering  in  Iowa  at  the  time  news  was  received 
of  the  death  of  Dr.  Dunn,  and  so  was  not  able  to 
be  at  the  funeral.      When   the   news   was   an- 

295 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

nounced  at  this  meeting  **  many  a  sigh  was 
heard,  and  elderly  people  wept  who  had  found 
Christ  under  his  preaching,  for  few  of  our 
churches  in  the  West  have  not  known  and 
profited  by  his  labors."  President  Mosher  writes 
of  Dr.  Dunn's  work  as  an  evangelist,  preacher, 
and  reformer,  and  as  a  citizen,  and  says  :  "  The 
blow  that  has  been  suspended  over  us  for  months 
has  fallen.  What  nobler  use  can  we  make  of  his 
life  than  to  emulate  his  example  of  faithfulness 
and  unshaken  trust  in  Divine  mercy.?  He  was  a 
good  man.  May  his  death  ring  out  a  new  call  for 
the  same  heroic,  devoted,  cheerful  service  as  that 
which  characterized  the  more  than  sixty  years  of 
his  restless  life." 

Space  will  not  permit  us  to  transfer  to  our 
pages  all  of  the  published  testimonials  of  profound 
respect  and  esteem  from  those  who  knew  his 
greatness  and  the  scope  of  his  power  ;  nor  the 
letters  with  their  messages  of  love  and  gratitude 
from  those  who  knew  the  sweetness  of  his  char- 
acter and  felt  the  touch  of  his  personal  influence. 
Resolutions  were  adopted  by  Hillsdale  College 
expressing  the  sense  of  great  loss  on  account  of 
his  long  and   valuable   service;    by  Rio  Grande 

296 


IN   MEMORIAM 

College,  honoring  his  memory  for  his  assistance 
in  its  organization  and  the  impress  of  his  lofty 
Christian  spirit ;  by  the  Hillsdale  Quarterly 
Meeting  on  account  of  his  efficient  leadership;  and 
other  denominational  organizations  took  suitable 
action.  The  Baptist  ministers  of  the  Abington 
Association,  who  hold  their  meetings  at  Scranton. 
passed  resolutions  of  respect  referring  to  his  wel- 
come presence  and  wise  counsel  in  their  weekly 
conference,  remembering  his  few  but  eloquent 
appeals  for  orthodox  Christianity  and  feeling  the 
power  of  his  deep  piety. 

We  close  this  memorial  chapter  with  a  poem 
by  a  former  student  of  Hillsdale  College,  Linda 
Schermerhorn  Hibner  : 

RANSOM   DUNN 

"Only  a  man  —  that  means  only  a  son  of  God." — PHILLIPS  BROOKS. 

The  Indian  summer  lingered  on, 

One  psalm  sang  earth  and  sky. 
A  "  Peace  be  with  you  !  "  floated  down  ; 

"  We  praise  thee,"  rose  on  high. 

1  wondered  at  the  winds'  control, 

That  skies  forbore  to  grieve  ; 
I  knew  not  that  his  saintly  soul 

Of  earth  was  taking  leave. 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

'Twas  meet  that  'mid  such  influence 
His  sojourn  here  should  cease  — 

From  peace  on  earth,  his  soul  pass  hence 
To  the  Eternal  Peace. 

One  of  the  host  that  leaned  on  him 

In  life's  unsettled  stage, 
When  th'  unseen  seems  uncertain,  dim, 

And  doubts  find  anchorage  ; 

One  of  the  host,  my  reed  of  faith 

He  strengthened  to  a  staff ; 
My  traitor  doubts  before  his  breath 

Were  blown  away  like  chaff. 

The  prayer  he  lived,  ^'  Thy  kingdom  come," 

Was  writ  upon  his  face. 
And  fears  took  flight  and  doubts  were  dumb, 

Confronted  by  its  grace. 

"  Only  a  man  "  —  "  a  son  of  God," 

Heir  to  his  kingdom's  height. 
Unsold  his  birthright ;  from  the  sod. 

To  mount  to  realms  of  Light. 

Would  God  his  mantle,  dropped  to  earth. 

Might  fmd  a  worthy  wearer  ; 
Among  the  reapers  he  sent  forth, 

His  sickle  fmd  a  bearer. 


298 


XIV 

PERSONAL  CHARACTER  ~  LIFE   LESSONS 

As  we  have  traced  the  life  of  Ransom  Dunn 
his  personal  qualities  have  shown  themselves  in 
his  work,  but  it  will  be  well  to  direct  attention  to 
some  of  them  that  have  not  been  especially 
noticed,  or  to  emphasize  those  that  have  been  the 
cause  of  his  success. 

One  characteristic  was  his  extreme  modesty. 
He  had  a  sensitive,  shrinking  nature  ;  it  was  only 
the  conviction  of  duty  and  the  exigency  of  the 
need  of  others  and  the  demands  of  the  cause  of 
Christ  that  drew  him  out  of  himself  and  into  the 
prominent  place.  He  was  not  conceited  or  ego- 
tistical, but  humble  and  unassuming.  It  is  for 
this  reason  that  few  of  his  manuscripts  are  found 
to-day.  In  his  journal  are  references  to  articles 
written,  of  which  he  says  they  would  "  probably 
better  be  used  as  my  manuscripts  have  been 
generally  —  for    kindling-wood."      His   deprecia- 

299 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

tion  of  himself  was  not  an  assumption  for  effect, 
but  a  deep  conviction  of  unworthiness.  In  ac- 
knowledging Christmas  favors  toward  the  last  of 
his  life  he  wrote:  **1  have  been  overestimated 
by  my  best  friends  and  even  by  my  own  chil- 
dren. My  lack  of  faith  and  piety  has  been  the 
curse  of  my  life,  and  the  occasion  of  so  many 
faults  and  omissions  that  I  am  astonished  at  the 
forbearance  and  love  exhibited  by  God  and  his 
friends."  In  his  old  age,  when  his  friends  ex- 
pressed the  feeling  that  his  successful  efforts 
through  his  long  life  of  usefulness  and  the  results 
already  seen  should  be  a  comfort  to  him,  he 
would  say  he  saw  so  many  things  that  he 
had  not  done  that  he  ought  to  have  done,  and  his 
only  hope  and  comfort  was  in  the  grace  of  God 
and  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He 
sought  places  for  others,  but  not  for  himself. 
Letters  on  file  and  records  show  his  efforts  to  put 
himself  out  of  the  way  that  others  might  have 
positions  of  honor.  If  much  of  this  unknown 
personal  correspondence  and  of  these  official 
letters  could  be  published  it  would  throw  new 
light  not  only  on  his  own  character  but  on  events 
of  the  past. 

300 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

He  had  the  greatest  charity  and  consideration 
for  others.  With  his  keen  insight  into  human 
nature  and  his  quick  perception  of  situations  he 
often  foresaw  difficulties  and  prophesied  results, 
and  did  not  blame  but  always  excused.  If  one 
did  an  unexpected  or  unwarranted  thing  he 
would  say,  "Well,  he  didn't  understand  how  it 
was  "  ;  or  '*  He  is  not  quite  as  well  as  he  used  to 
be,  and  so  is  not  to  blame."  Some  have  heard 
him  tell  the  story  of  the  man  "who  never  was 
the  man  he  used  to  be"  as  a  joking  answer  to 
the  query  how  some  actions  could  be  excused. 
His  theory  evidently  was  that  if  a  matter  could 
not  be  corrected  it  was  to  be  ignored,  excused, 
forgiven,  and  forgotten,  so  far  as  he  himself  was 
concerned. 

His  courtesy  was  unfailing.  As  President 
Mosher  said,  "  he  was  a  man  of  the  people,  but 
courtly  and  refmed  "  ;  and  another  speaks  of  him 
as  "  a  genuine  Christian  gentleman  whose  courte- 
ous demeanor  was  recognized  by  all,  but  he  had 
the  quiet  dignity  about  him  that  leads 'to  affection 
without  familiarity."  As  one  student  expressed 
it,  "  when  you  met  him  he  spoke  to  you  as 
cordially  as  if  you  were  his  intimate  friend,  but 

301 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

you  walked  with  your  head  a  little  higher  after 
he  passed,  as  if  his  very  dignity  without  con- 
descension had  raised  you  in  your  own  estima- 
tion and  in  the  respect  of  others."  His  social 
qualities  were  remarkable.  "  His  cheerfulness 
was  not  surpassed  in  any  company.  Full  of 
anecdote,  quick  at  repartee,  he  was  easily  the  life 
of  the  group  in  which  he  chanced  to  be."  But 
he  was  always  the  gentleman  ;  one  would  never 
hear  from  him  or  dare  to  say  before  him  what  an 
innocent  child  might  not  hear. 

We  are  glad  to  speak  of  his  buoyant  spirit  and 
optimistic  disposition  and  genial  life.  For  as  one 
reads  his  life  with  its  many  dark  shadows  and 
with  its  great  struggles,  an  erroneous  picture 
might  be  imagined  of  a  gloomy,  morbid  tendency 
and  of  a  sad  life.  And  photographs  of  the  face 
with  its  deep-set  eyes  and  firm  mouth  —  and 
especially  in  later  years  when  suffering  and  pain 
made  their  deep  lines  —  may  show  a  sternness 
that  was  not  present  when  the  features  relaxed 
in  the  pleasant  expression  of  conversation  that 
his  friends  knew  so  well.  The  mountain-peaks 
of  sorrow  may  hide  the  vales  of  gladness,  but 
they  are  the  longest  stretches,  after   all.      The 

302 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

wars  in  history  cover  less  time  than  years  of 
peace,  but  take  more  pages  in  the  books  that  tell 
of  them.  Professor  Dunn  wrote  to  his  daughter 
once,  on  hearing  of  sickness  in  her  family  :  ''Such 
is  life  !  Literally  half  night,  and  if  not  so  in  ex- 
perience it  is  fortunate  and  much  better  than 
some  whose  nights  are  all  December  nights,  long 
and  cold.  But  there  is  a  life  without  nights,  and 
even  here  we  have  more  joys  than  griefs."  In 
speaking  one  winter  of  a  desired  visit  and  family 
reunion  he  said  :  ''  Let  us  live  one  day  at  a  time 
and  borrow  no  trouble.  The  world  turns  one 
hundred  and  fifty  times  before  June.  We  do  not 
know  what  a  day  may  bring  forth.  '  The  Lord 
will  provide.'  We  may  meet  in  Hillsdale,  in 
Nebraska,  or  in  heaven.  But  it  will  be  all  right." 
We  have  a  little  outline,  given  by  himself,  of  a 
sermon  he  preached  at  one  time  on  Ps.  4  :  6, 
''Who  will  show  us  any  good?"  in  which  he 
says:  "We  sometimes  seem  to  see  the  sun  of 
our  life  go  out,  while  it  is  only  the  falling  of  a 
star,  and  the  great  Sun  of  our  life  never  dies.  In 
personal  experience  when  we  are  in  great  suffer- 
ing there  are  a  thousand  times  more  nerves  and 
susceptibilities  untouched  than  those  affected.     It 

303 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

is  wisely  ordered  by  Providence  that  in  the 
natural  organs  of  our  powers  there  is  much  good 
to  be  enjoyed,  so  even  in  poor  health  and  trials 
we  may  enjoy  some  things.  But  in  the  moral 
nature  is  the  chief  good  of  life  and  being.  So  we 
find  a  satisfactory  answer  to  the  question  if  there 
be  any  good  in  earth.  There  is  much  good  in 
earth,  on  which  as  stairs  we  may  arise  above  the 
physical  and  intellectual  to  the  moral,  and  up  to 
God  and  heaven.  We  must  have  the  right  view 
of  things,  and  especially  of  the  value  of  the  soul, 
of  religion,  of  God  and  immortality.  Lord,  lift 
thou  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us,  and 
give  us  gladness  in  our  hearts  and  peace  in  our 
lives." 

Professor  Dunn  was  sincere  in  his  friendships, 
and  they  were  strong  and  lasting.  One  cannot 
look  over  the  vast  number  of  letters  received 
from  friends  during  his  long  life  and  not  feel  how 
deep  was  his  regard  for  them  and  theirs  for  him. 
A  man  now  president  of  a  college  wrote  some 
years  ago  to  Professor  Dunn,  ''  No  man's  friend- 
ship is  prized  more  highly  or  the  loss  of  it  could 
be  regretted  more  deeply  than  yours."  The 
father  of  the  head  of  the  musical  conservatory  at 

304 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

Oberlin  wrote  of  a  proposed  visit  with  Professor 
Dunn,  calling  him  **  my  spiritual  father  and  best 
friend,  than  whom  there  is  no  one  I  wish  more  to 
see  outside  my  own  family." 

His  friendship  was  a  helpful  one  whether  in 
associations  of  church,  college,  or  social  life. 
Rev.  A.  T.  Salley,  D.  D.,  a  former  professor  and 
pastor  at  Hillsdale,  writes :  ''  Out  of  nearly 
fifteen  years  of  close  association  with  him  I  bring 
this  testimony  to  his  memory.  He  treated  me 
always  with  great  kindness,  helped  me  to  bear 
the  burdens  of  both  church  and  college,  answered 
every  demand  made  upon  him  for  services.  I 
took  the  place  he  had  occupied,  but  never  once  in 
these  years  did  Dr.  Dunn  utter  a  harsh  criticism. 
I  never  consulted  him  in  vain.  His  perception  of 
the  situation  was  intuitive ;  his  kindly  heart 
prompted  him  to  help  with  his  counsel  any  who 
consulted  him."  No  journey  or  exertion  was  too 
much  to  undertake  to  comfort  a  friend  in  afflic- 
tion ;  and  when  himself  pressed  for  money,  he 
often  helped  friends  in  need.  No  wonder  so 
many  said  after  his  death,  "He  was  a  kind  and 
helpful  friend."  His  was,  however,  an  **  un- 
flinching friendship  which  proved  itself  by  rebuke 

305 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

when  needed  as  well  as  by  exhortation  and  com- 
mendation, and  won  an  abiding  confidence." 

These  excellent  moral  traits  were  intensified  in 
his  home  life,  where  he  was  most  affectionate. 
He  rarely  punished  the  children.  It  was  simply 
taken  for  granted  that  they  would  do  as  he 
wished.  On  one  occasion  a  child  who  was  visit- 
ing did  something  that  was  not  allowed  in  the 
home,  and  the  little  daughter  said,  ''  My  papa  will 
look  at  you  with  his  eyes  !  "  When  the  children 
were  small  he  often  held  them  while  at  his  study 
or  reading,  to  relieve  the  tired  or  busy  mother, 
and  would  walk  the  floor,  if  necessary,  at  nights, 
with  a  restless  baby,  or  risk  his  own  life  and  that 
of  his  horse  going  for  a  competent  physician  when 
any  of  the  family  were  sick.  His  strong  but 
gentle  hand  would  arrange  the  pillows  for  the 
sufferer  and  his  unwearied  feet  go  for  delicacies 
desired. 

In  later  years  when  more  closely  occupied  with 
literary  work  in  his  library  it  was  to  him  the 
older  children  came  for  advice  and  assistance. 
His  company  was  as  much  appreciated  in  the 
home  circle  as  in  the  larger  social  gatherings. 
Meal-times   were   seasons  of   pleasant  conversa- 

306 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

tion.  The  daily  mail  had  interesting  items  to 
discuss,  or  a  poem  that  struck  his  fancy.  His 
reading  was  always  a  delight,  and  often  while  the 
mother  was  busy  with  her  sewing  he  read  to  her. 
He  was  fond  of  music,  and  the  Sunday  afternoon 
hour  when  the  daughters  sang  his  favorite  hymns 
were  always  remembered  and  missed  when  they 
were  gone.  When  the  family  were  separated, 
letters  were  frequent.  His  wife  used  to  say  they 
were  short,  but  one  sentence  of  his  was  worth 
more  than  pages  of  others.  To  the  boys  in 
college,  during  that  busy  period  of  his  life,  he 
wrote  weekly  letters,  and  their  replies  show  that 
he  kept  their  confidence  in  everything.  To  the 
young  daughters  while  he  was  in  Europe  he  said, 
"  One  letter  from  you  at  home  is  worth  more 
than  a  whole  package  of  other  letters."  From 
the  holy  city  he  wrote:  "The  city  is  full  of 
people,  and  some  of  them  very  fine  people  from 
Europe  and  America  ;  but  I  would  rather  see  you 
than  all  the  people  in  Jerusalem."  The  missing 
of  the  weekly  letters  in  the  far-away  home  in 
India  is  the  saddest  part  of  the  separation  since 
he  went  away,  and  the  other  daughters  miss  his 
terse  letters  with  opinions  on  current  events,  ex- 
pressions of  regard,  and  advice  on  all  questions. 

307 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

In  religious  matters  he  was  helpful  more  by  his 
own  consistent  example  and  his  devotions  than 
by  persistent,  obtrusive  talk.  It  was  assumed 
that  the  children  were  to  go  to  church  and  they 
never  thought  to  question  it;  it  was  a  habit  as 
much  as  going  to  bed  or  eating  breakfast.  It  was 
understood  that  they  should  read  the  Bible  and 
pray  ;  if  it  was  worth  his  while  to  spend  so  much 
time  in  these  exercises  it  was  certainly  best  for 
them,  and  besides  they  loved  to  do  it,  as  did  their 
mother  and  father.  His  morning  reading  and 
prayers  with  the  family  are  a  precious  legacy. 
Almost  every  book  in  the  Bible  has  passages  that 
carry  his  tone  and  look  and  explanation  still.  He 
felt  that  every  man  was  a  priest  in  his  own 
household,  and  when  stopping  temporarily  in 
another  home  would  hesitate  to  assume  direction 
of  the  daily  devotions,  but  it  was  a  benediction 
to  the  home  to  have  him  do  it. 

His  personal  private  prayers  for  the  family 
were  a  felt  blessing  though  never  heard.  And 
the  love  and  prayers  for  the  children  were  con- 
tinued to  the  grandchildren.  When  his  oldest 
granddaughter  was  in  Hillsdale  making  a  home 
for   her   two   brothers   who   were  in  college,  he 

308 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

would  frequently  drop  in  unexpectedly,  bringing 
some  little  delicacy,  and  pleasantly  remark,  ''  I 
thought  I  would  take  dinner  with  you  to-day," 
and  stop  and  visit  with  them,  talking  over  their 
plans  and  his  feelings.  The  pictures  of  the  little 
grandchildren  whom  he  could  not  see  and  the 
letters  telling  of  their  cunning  ways  were  much 
talked  about.  With  the  grandchildren  with  whom 
he  lived  at  the  last  he  showed  great  interest  in 
their  progress  in  their  studies,  remarking  with 
assumed  sternness  but  with  twinkling  eye  as  the 
report  cards  came  in  :  *'  What!  only  90  and  100  ! 
You  were  that  before.  Can't  you  get  beyond 
that?"  On  the  Wednesday  before  he  died, 
when  the  premonitory  pain  gave  its  half  under- 
stood warning,  he  drew  the  little  one  to  his  arms, 
as  she  came  up  with  sympathetic  effort  to  do 
something  for  grandpa,  and  said:  ''You  don't 
want  grandpa  to  be  sick,  do  you  ?  You  love 
grandpa.  He  loves  you,  and  he  prays  for  you 
every  night." 

His  trust  in  Divine  guidance  was  a  constant 
lesson.  "The  Lord  will  provide"  was  his  ex- 
pectation, and  the  Lord  never  disappointed  him. 
The  testimony  of  one  who  knew  him  intimately 

309 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

in  his  home  for  years  may  well  epitomize  his 
characteristics:  ''Like  every  one  else,  I  have 
always  thought  him  a  remarkable  man  in  many 
ways.  He  combined  in  a  rare  degree  an  attract- 
ive personality,  extraordinary  intellectual  ability, 
and  beautiful  Christian  character.  In  addition  to 
his  eloquence,  conversational  powers,  and  un- 
selfish devotion  to  Hillsdale  College,  1  think  of 
him  as  an  ideal  man  in  his  home."  His  was  a 
hospitable  home, —  ''ministers'  hotel"  it  was 
laughingly  called  sometimes.  New  students  were 
welcomed  there,  new  faculty  members  enter- 
tained there,  and  strangers  made  to  feel  at  home. 
The  regard  of  relatives  outside  the  immediate 
family  circle  was  marked.  Letters  from  them 
contain  such  words  as  these  :  "He  was  a  favorite 
uncle ;  his  visits  seemed  like  a  benediction." 
"His  visits  were  always  anticipated  with  delight, 
but  we  children  felt  that  we  must  be  very  good 
because  Uncle  Ransom  was  coming.  I  regarded 
him  as  living  on  a  higher  plane  than  most  of  us." 
"We  were  always  glad  when  Uncle  Ransom  came. 
The  whole  house  was  brighter  for  his  coming." 
His  regard  for  his  relatives  showed  itself  in  prac- 
tical ways.     His  first  wife's  family  were  cared 

310 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

for  as  long  as  they  lived.  The  nephews  of  his 
second  wife  had  offers  to  come  to  his  home  and 
pursue  their  studies  at  the  college  at  his  expense. 
A  niece  who  had  lost  her  mother  while  young 
was  given  a  home  with  Professor  Dunn  until  her 
marriage. 

There  were  some  strongly  marked  mental 
characteristics  and  habits  of  life  that  contributed 
in  no  small  degree  to  the  great  success  of  Pro- 
fessor Dunn.  Among  them  was  his  observant,  ( 
studious  habit,  and  the  practice  of  adapting 
everything  to  his  need  and  purposes.  It  is  said 
of  Garfield  that  he  never  allowed  anything  to 
escape  his  attention  ;  if  he  observed  anything  he 
did  not  understand,  he  would  stop  in  the  street 
and  study  it.  It  was  so  with  Ransom  Dunn. 
He  used  every  opportunity  to  gain  new  knowl- 
edge. Whenever  traveling  he  learned  all  he  could 
of  the  places,  the  people,  the  events  of  interest, 
and  studied  methods  of  work  and  customs  of  life. 
This  it  was  that,  in  addition  to  his  wide  reading, 
made  him  a  ready  man  in  conversation  and  gave 
him  a  fund  of  illustrations  for  his  addresses,  and 
made  him  an  authority  on  almost  every  question. 
When  in  New  York  City,  a  stranger,  in  the  midst 

311 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

of  hard  work,  he  found  time  to  attend  lectures 
by  Choate,  Sumner,  Beecher,  Stowe,  and  Father 
Mathew,  and  to  visit  the  museums  and  places  of 
interest  in  the  city.  In  Boston  he  lost  no  chance 
of  hearing  Edward  Everett  and  other  orators  and 
listening  to  medical  lectures  and  legal  trials,  and 
took  many  walks  to  historical  places,  thus  fitting 
himself  to  fill  any  position  and  to  adapt  himself 
to  all  people. 

His  love  of  reading  and  of  books  was  a  char- 
acteristic of  his  life.  When  he  made  his  Western 
tour  of  the  great  rivers  and  lakes  after  his  first 
wife's  death,  he  wrote  in  his  journal :  *Mn  order 
to  be  able  to  take  my  contemplated  journey  I 
was  obliged  to  sell  twenty-five  dollars'  worth  of 
my  books,  which  added  to  my  sorrow  if  possible. 
Next  to  my  family  I  value  my  books."  In  all  his 
various  changes  his  books  were  always  packed 
with  greatest  care  first,  so  that  whatever  else 
might  be  sold  or  lost  they  should  be  safely  taken 
to  the  new  home.  But  in  his  later  years  some  of 
his  books  were  given  away  to  those  who  valued 
them,  or  to  those  who  could  not  afford  to  possess 
what  he  thought  they  needed.  Yet  during  the 
last  years  of  his  life,  when  his  wife's  death  and 

312 


Personal  character 

his  own  health  seemed  to  demand  his  living  else- 
where, the  books  in  his  library  were  undisturbed, 
and  that  place  was  home  to  him,  whoever  might 
occupy  the  remainder  of  the  house. 

His  energy  and  determination  are  too  well 
known  to  need  illustration.  It  was  his  strong 
will  power  that  made  him  ride  over  all  obstacles, 
and  in  face  of  difficulties  that  would  have  over- 
come other  men  ride  on  to  achievement  of  all  his 
plans  and  glorious  success  in  whatever  he  under- 
took. A  frail  body  he  may  have  had,  but  he  had  \ 
an  iron  will ;  circumstances  may  have  been 
against  him,  but  he  had  dauntless  courage  ;  oppo- 
sition may  have  met  him,  but  he  had  persever- 
ance and  conquered. 

His  promptness  was  equally  remarkable.  He  / 
kept  no  tills  in  his  desk  for  unanswered  letters  ; 
all  were  answered  as  soon  as  they  were  received. 
Anything  he  had  to  do  was  done  in  this  same 
prompt  way.  When  he  saw  a  duty  he  proposed 
to  do  it  at  once.  Decision  and  action  were  simul- 
taneous in  his  life.  We  are  sure  that  for  this 
energetic  spirit  there  is  no  idleness  to-day, 

"  But  somewhere,  out  of  human  view, 
Whate'er  his  hands  are  set  to  do 
Is  wrought  with  tumult  of  acclaim." 
313 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

His  spiritual  life  was  made  strong  by  his  inim- 
itable faith,  that  remained  unshaken  whatever 
happened.  Those  who  have  known  him  for  many 
years,  lived  in  his  home,  or  worked  with  him  in 
various  enterprises  in  which  he  was  engaged, 
will  never  forget  how  often  and  with  what  assur- 
ance he  quoted  this  one  sentence,  *'  The  Lord 
reigneth." 

He  was  a  man  of  one  book,  notwithstanding 
his  constant  reading  of  many  books.  A  boy  who 
was  fond  of  books  and  reading  asked  him  one 
day,  "What  is  your  favorite  book?  "  The  reply 
was,  ''  Isaiah."  Again  the  boy  questioned,  ''  But 
who  is  your  favorite  author  ?  "  Again  came  the 
quick  reply,  ''Paul."  There  was  no  book  like 
the  Bible  to  him.  And  among  the  many  ways 
of  studying  it  which  he  used,  he,  like  Moody, 
loved  best  the  topical  method,  taking  some  great 
themes  and  finding  out  what  the  Holy  Spirit 
taught  concerning  them. 

But  the  great  secret  of  his  religious  life  was 
prayer.  While  he  was  in  Europe  two  of  his 
daughters  were  baptized  and  joined  the  church. 
He  wrote  to  them:  ''Trust  in  God  and  be  faith- 
ful.    Prayer    is  the   life  of    the   Christian.      In 

314 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

every  trial  and  every  duty,  in  every  temptation,    ' 
at  all  times,  pray.     When  working,  reading,  talk- 
ing, often  raise  the  desires  to  God.     This  early 
became  the  habit  of  my  life  and  has  been  the 
most  important  part  of  my  Christian  experience  > 
and  happiness." 

This  volume  has  been  read  in  vain  if  the  fact 
has  not  been  learned  that  the  one  great  charac- 
teristic of  the  life  of  Ransom  Dunn  was  its  con- 
secration, his  utter  devotion  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  his  absorbing  desire  for  the  salvation  of 
souls  and  the  upbuilding  of  the  Christ-life  in  the 
hearts  of  men.  That  these  life  principles  may 
be  the  established  ones  in  the  lives  of  all  the 
young  people  who  may  read  this  volume  is  the 
prayer  of  the  one  who  writes  these  lines,  and 
would  be  the  great  desire  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  could  he  speak  once  more  with  his  elo- 
quent lips  from  his  full  heart,  burning  with  the 
love  of  God.  May  it  come  as  a  message  from 
the  other  world  with  still  stronger  force,  and  stir 
some  hearts  to  fully  surrender  their  lives  to  the 
Master  and  King,  the  Saviour  of  men. 

To  the  special  audience  of  those  who  hope  by 
pen  or  voice  to  glorify  God  in  the  ministry  we 

815 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

have  a  word  to  say.  Rev.  C.  A.  Bickford,  D.D., 
editor  of  The  Morning  Star,  says:  ''Natural  and 
powerful  orator  that  Dr.  Dunn  was,  he  did  not 
use  the  press  as  much  as  was  desired  by  others. 
But  what  he  did  write  was  thoughtful,  purposeful, 
and  virile.  He  appeared  to  write  only  with  the 
purpose  of  saying  something,  of  saying  it  directly 
and  forcibly,  and  of  stopping  when  he  had  said 
it."  The  reason  for  this  was  that  he  wrote  when 
he  had  a  special  message  to  give,  that  he  care- 
fully prepared  what  he  had  to  say,  and  condensed 
it  until  it  was  clear-cut  and  concise.  He  thought 
too  many  words  confused  the  view  of  the  main 
thought ;  and  people  did  not  enjoy  reading  long 
articles.  Those  who  read  his  articles  know  that 
every  word  meant  something  distinct,  and  stood 
in  its  place  in  such  relationship  that  it  could  not 
be  changed.  He  wrote  with  his  dictionary  at 
hand,  taking  time  to  study  definitions  and  syno- 
nyms so  that  no  possible  misunderstanding  might 
arise  from  an  obscure  use  of  terms.  He  believed 
that  many  of  the  discussions  and  arguments  on 
religious  questions  would  be  avoided  if  people 
more  carefully  studied  their  mother  tongue.  A 
prominent    preacher    and    writer    says    of    Dr. 

316 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

Dunn's  writing:  ''He  read  extensively,  thought 
carefully,  remembered  and  digested  what  he  read, 
and  made  his  own  the  best  thoughts,  and  ex- 
pressed his  own  ideas  in  eloquent  diction,  in  short 
but  strong  sentences.  And  as  years  advanced 
his  mental  force  was  not  abated,  but  his  passion 
for  investigation,  strong  thinking,  and  vigorous 
writing  increased."  Let  our  young  writers  learn 
the  lesson  of  much  study,  clear  thinking,  and 
concise  writing. 

But  Professor  Dunn  will  always  remain  in  the 
memory  of  those  who  knew  him  or  heard  him 
the  orator  par  excellence.  Congressman  Hopkins 
of  Illinois  said  not  long  ago:  "I  have  heard  the 
greatest  preachers  of  America  and  Europe,  but  I 
never  heard  one  who  could  so  move  an  audience 
as  Professor  Dunn."  Why  was  it  that  he  thus 
moved  "the  hearts  of  the  people  as  the  trees  of 
the  wood  are  moved  by  the  wind"?  We  need 
not  repeat  what  so  many  have  so  truthfully  and 
beautifully  said.  It  was  not  his  natural  gift  as  an 
orator  only,  it  was  not  his  logic  or  his  diction 
merely,  not  his  indomitable  will  that  would  not 
fail,  but  it  was  the  man  himself.  He  walked 
with  God  and  talked  with  God,  and  God  talked 
through  him. 

317 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

He  was  a  man  of  convictions,  and  followed 
them.  ''  He  loved  his  denomination,  believed  in 
its  mission,  rejoiced  in  its  principles,  and  de- 
lighted to  sacrifice  for  its  growth.  Yet  he  was 
not  a  sectarian.  He  did  not  love  the  denomina- 
tion as  a  sect  but  because  of  the  principles  it 
holds."  Dr.  Ball  says  that  Dr.  Dunn  '*  believed 
the  Free  Baptists  to  be  of  right  members  of  the 
great  Baptist  family,  and  that  they  should  culti- 
vate close  relations  to  the  larger  Baptist  body, 
which  has,  since  the  separation,  made  such  large 
advance  in  the  knowledge  of  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel,  so  that  now  the  majority  of  the  body 
practically  stand  on  the  same  foundation  and 
preach  the  same  doctrine  that  characterizes  the 
Free  Baptists.  He  favored  proper  measures  cal- 
culated to  bring  the  two  bodies  into  closer  fellow- 
ship for  the  good  of  both  of  them.  He  was  more 
zealous  for  the  truth  and  the  spread  of  doctrines 
and  practices  to  which  he  from  his  youth  had 
been  wedded,  than  separate  denominational  life." 
But  he  believed  more  firmly  still  in  the  larger 
Christian  unity  prayed  for  by  Christ,  the  spiritual 
agreement,  the  sameness  of  relationship  to  God 
as  children  "born  of  God,"  ''created  in  Christ 

318 


PERSONAL  CHARACTER 

Jesus,"  ''of  whom  the  whole  family  of  heaven 
and  earth  is  named."  And  with  this  broad  love 
he  worked  with  and  for  all,  that  the  lost  world 
might  be  brought  back  to  the  loving  Father. 

Hon.  O.  B.  Cheney,  D.  D.,  former  president 
of  Bates  College,  wrote  to  Dr.  Dunn  on  his 
eightieth  birthday:  ''I  have  loved  you  for  your 
precious  work  for  the  dear  Lord,  for  your  loyalty 
to  our  people.  You  are  worthy  to  be  named  with 
Randall,  Buzzell,  Marks,  Hutchins,  and  others 
who  have  marked  out  paths  in  which  our  people 
have  delighted  to  walk.  Your  eloquence  as  a 
speaker,  your  magnetism  in  influencing  your 
congregations,  your  power  as  a  teacher,  are  they 
not  indelibly  inscribed  in  the  life  of  the  Free 
Baptist  denomination?  What  more  in  point  of 
honor  can  a  man  ask  in  this  world  than  to  have 
thus  influenced  mankind?  " 


Our  sad,  sweet  task  is  ended.  We  have  "the 
quiet  sense  of  something  lost."  Work  for  him 
and  with  him  has  ceased,  and  now  the  story  of 
him  has  been  told.  There  is  an  easy-chair 
vacant  in  the  home,  a  chair  on  the  platform  at 
Hillsdale  College  draped  in  black,  an  empty  seat 

319 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

in  church,  a  vacant  place  in  General  Conference. 
But  with  one  who  longed  to  know  him  better  in 
this  world  we  say,  '*  We  know  he  has  gone  to  be 
in  eternal,  blessed  companionship  with  the  great 
truth-fmders  in  the  Kingdom,  and  sometime  we 
shall  greet  him  there,"  and  claim  him  ours. 

"  So,  dearest,  now  thy  brows  are  cold, 
I  see  thee  what  thou  art,  and  know 
Thy  likeness  to  the  wise  below, 
Thy  kindred  with  the  great  of  old. 

"  But  there  is  more  that  I  can  see, 
And  what  I  see  I  leave  unsaid. 
Nor  speak  it,  knowing  Death  has  made 
His  darkness  beautiful  with  thee." 


320 


Selected  Thoughts  and  Words 


"  He,  being  dead, yet  speaketh.''^ 


An  Introductory  Word 

It  would  be  impossible  to  properly  represent 
Ransom  Dunn,  the  eloquent  orator,  by  any  ab- 
stracts of  sermons  or  quotations  from  addresses. 
For  the  personal  magnetism  of  the  man,  the 
thrilling  voice,  the  impressive  gestures  so  pecul- 
iarly his  own,  would  be  missing.  The  inde- 
scribable, sympathetic  tone,  and  eloquence  of 
manner  as  well  as  words  that  put  him  en  rapport 
with  every  audience,  cannot  be  felt  as  the  words 
are  read,  even  though  it  were  possible  to  repro- 
duce the  very  words  spoken,  which  is  in  most 
cases  impossible.  We  can  hardly  do  him  justice 
either  in  attempting  to  give  even  written  articles, 
for  most  of  those  published  were  for  some  special 
purpose  and  suited  to  that  time  and  occasion, 
rather  than  for  general  reading,  and  lose  their 
full  force  when  taken  out  of  their  proper  setting. 

"Few  American  pulpit  stars,"  says  Dr.  Philip 
Graif,  **have  equaled  Dr.  Ransom  Dunn  in  spon- 
taneity and  fire,  in  flow  of  ideas  and  vividness  of 
conception,  and  more  than  all  in  depth  and  per- 
manence of  influence.  Gifted  with  a  voice  of 
penetrating  and  dramatic  flexibility,  moving  along 

323 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

with  the  torrent  of  his  ideas,  never  hesitating  for 
a  word,  he  certainly  had  the  art  of  casting  a 
magnetic  spell  over  his  audience,  and  combined 
what  is  so  rare  —  great  rapidity  of  movement 
with  lasting  impression.  College  records,  church 
minutes,  and  columns  of  statistics  will  not  guage 
his  dimensions,  but  in  ennobled  hearts  and  lives 
has  God  built  his  enduring  monument."  While 
this  is  eminently  true,  and  the  impression  he 
made  upon  a  vast  number  of  people  is  indescrib- 
able but  great  and  permanent,  and  the  discourses 
and  their  effect  cannot  be  reproduced,  yet  it  is 
equally  true,  as  the  writer  above  quoted  remarks, 
that  ''his  style  of  diction  was  close  and  compact, 
his  pulpit  material  well  organized,  his  sermons 
and  addresses  were  no  haphazard  structures, 
every  word  was  italicized,  and  the  whole  showed 
that  he  was  a  profound  student.  He  had  an  eye, 
too,  for  light  and  shade,  perspective  and  propor- 
tion, and  harmonious  totality  of  effect." 

Perhaps  even  the  few  selections  gathered  may 
show  a  little  of  this  clear,  concise  thinking,  of 
the  pure  diction,  forceful  utterance,  and  unique 
illustration.  And  those  who  have  heard  him  will 
supply  from  memory  the  sweet,  pathetic  voice  or 
full,  resonant  tone  as  occasion  demanded,  the 
earnest,  rapt  expression,  and  let  imagination  add 
the  effective,  characteristic  gestures,  remember- 
ing, with  President  Mosher,  ''that  peculiar  quiver- 

324 


AN    INTRODUCTORY    WORD 

ing  movement  of  his  long  arm  and  shapely  hands, 
as  though  the  overcharged  sensibilities  and  emo- 
tions were  relieving  themselves  through  this 
physical  but  eloquent  channel." 

A  few  extracts  from  letters  have  been  added, 
at  the  request  of  friends,  showing  a  different 
style,  descriptive,  conversational,  or  reminiscent, 
that  made  him  a  popular  writer  of  travel 
sketches. 


325 


Letters 

ROME,  Jan.  i8,  1866. 
Here  we  are  in  old  Rome !  Age  does  not  always  destroy 
vanity  but  tends  to  conservatism,  and  creates  a  high  esti- 
mate of  the  past.  So  here.  Like  some  old  stooping  half- 
blind  dame  who  still  insists  upon  hanging  the  jewels 
under  her  whitened  locks  and  tying  on  the  toggery  of 
girlhood,  so  Rome,  amidst  the  broken  brick  and  patched 
walls  more  than  twenty  centuries  old,  puts  on  modern  airs 
and  ornaments,  and,  with  the  ruins  of  defunct  and  useless 
forms  and  institutions,  attempts  to  stand  up  in  the  pride 
and  vigor  of  youth.  ...  Of  course  St.  Peter's  was  not 
omitted  in  our  rambles.  We  went  into  it,  through  it,  and 
up  it,  into  the  brass  head  at  the  top,  feeling  sure  there 
were  other  brass  heads  of  much  less  capacity.  Indeed, 
this  one  differs  from  most  others,  for  generally  where  there 
is  a  great  deal  of  brass  the  size  diminishes  as  you  come 
nearer,  but  this  ball  upon  the  dome  of  St.  Peter's  looks 
from  the  ground  not  larger  than  your  hat,  yet  when  you 
get  up  to  it,  it  is  eight  feet  in  diameter  and  capable  of 
holding  sixteen  men.  This  cathedral  is  said  to  have  cost 
originally  more  than  forty  millions  of  dollars,  and  they  are 
constantly  adding  something  new.  The  gilding  of  the 
altar  cost  a  hundred  thousand  dollars.  There  is  no  use 
attempting  a  description  of  its  parts.  Even  its  size  will 
hardly  be  realized.  In  a  former  letter  I  spoke  of  a  church 
covering  over  an  acre  of  land,  but  this  covers  five  acres. 
326 


LETTERS 

And  you  are  not  to  suppose  that  this  is  the  only  large 
and  expensive  church  in  Rome.  There  are  three  hundred 
and  more,  many  of  them  from  three  to  five  hundred  feet  in 
length.  1  visited  one  chapel  to-day  the  finishing  and 
furnishing  of  which  cost  three  hundred  and  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars.  It  may  seem  strange  to  you  that  so 
much  money  can  be  put  into  some  of  these  rooms  that  are 
only  twenty  or  thirty  feet,  but  it  is  in  the  gold,  mosaic, 
statuary,  and  marble.  Then  there  are  paintings,  some  of 
which  cost  twenty  thousand  dollars.  But  the  mosaic 
seems  to  absorb  the  most  time  and  money  in  the  least 
space,  unless  it  be  the  solid  gold  decorations.  We  saw  a 
table  last  week  less  than  six  feet  in  diameter  said  to  have 
cost  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  requiring  the  labor  of 
a  large  number  of  men  for  fifteen  years.  .  .  .  And  yet 
while  millions  are  thus  expended  on  churches,  many  of 
which  are  rarely  used,  and  never  for  preaching,  beggars 
throng  the  streets  by  hundreds,  assailing  you  at  every 
turn.  There  is  more  poverty  and  wretchedness  in  this 
city  than  1  ever  witnessed  before.  .  .  .  But  the  past,  the 
glorious,  tragical,  and  awful  past— Rome  as  she  was  when 
the  world  trembled  at  her  word  and  kings  and  empires 
paid  tribute  to  her  greatness  !  Here  we  are  walking  over 
the  hills  where  Romulus  stood,  where  senators  legislated 
centuries  before  Christ.  I  am  naturally  fond  of  the  new, 
and  have  said  I  took  more  pleasure  in  seeing  one  public 
work  performed  than  in  looking  at  a  dozen  already  finished. 
But  I  am  conquered.  My  feelings  yield  as  I  look  upon 
these  columns,  buildings,  statues,  and  paintings  expres- 
sive of  the  feelings  of  hearts  that  ceased  to  beat  long  cen- 
turies since.  .  .  .  There  is  the  Temple  of  Fortune,  erected 
five  hundred  years  before  Christ,  and  the  Pantheon,  27 
B.  C. ;  and  then  the  Arch  of  Claudius,  while  yet  the  apos- 
tles were  listening  to  inspiration.  And  there  a  few  of  the 
columns  of  the  Temple  of  Saturn,  the  remains  of  the 
327 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Temple  of  Concord,  the  remnants  of  the  old  Forum  in 
which  the  multitudes  were  exhorted  to  deeds  of  heroism 
two  thousand  years  ago  ;  and  near  by  the  prison  where  it 
is  possible  Paul  and  Peter  might  have  been  imprisoned,  as 
tradition  affirms.  .  .  .  But  that  grand  and  awful  Colos- 
seum, so  often  referred  to  and  yet  never  comprehended,  is 
at  once  the  grandest  specimen  of  ancient  masonry  and 
architecture,  and  the  best  illustration  of  the  greatness  and 
character  of  the  old  Romans  of  any  remains  of  former 
times  to  be  seen.  .  .  .  Here  for  four  hundred  years  the 
gladiators  fought,  and  here  for  twelve  hundred  years  the 
Romans  witnessed  fights  of  beasts,  circuses,  and  other 
amusements.  But  the  most  awful  association  is  with 
reference  to  the  early  Christians,  who  were  here  tortured 
and  mart^Ted  by  hundreds  and  thousands.  ...  As  we 
stood  upon  the  upper  tier  of  seats  and  looked  down  a  hun- 
dred feet  into  that  pit,  my  weak  head  grew  dizzy,  the 
nerves  trembled,  and  it  almost  seemed  to  me  I  could  see 
the  tigers  and  lions  tearing  the  Christians,  while  their 
shouts  of  triumph  rolled  up  those  slopes  amidst  the  wild 
jeers  of  the  multitudes. 

Rome,  old  and  new,  has  presented  two  distinct  phases  of 
human  development.  The  heroic,  great,  and  sometimes 
glorious  in  achievement;  and  the  esthetic,  astonishing 
the  world  with  the  chisel,  the  brush,  and  with  music. 
Will  she  ever  reach  that  other  and  higher  tableland  of 
practical  life,  where  utility,  benevolence,  and  piety  shall 
sanctify  her  pictures  and  songs,  remove  her  superstitions, 
and  lead  to  good  works  for  the  race  more  enduring  than 
her  monuments  and  stately  columns? 


CAIRO,  EGYPT,  Feb.  12,  1866. 
We  are  in  Egypt,  by  the  side  of  that  mysterious  Nile, 
whose  annual  flow  made  its  immense  valley  not  only  the 
granary  and  garden  of  the  world,  but  for  ages  the  seat  of 
328 


LETTERS 

empire  and  science.  The  natural  scenery  is  still  the  same, 
and  all  the  land,  with  its  blanketed  men  and  enslaved 
women,  its  camels  and  donkeys,  its  sun-dried  bricks  and 
primitive  agriculture,  appears  very  much  the  same  as  indi- 
cated in  the  dim  morning  of  history,  2500  years  before 
Christ.  .  .  .  This  standstill  aspect  of  the  country  is  one 
of  the  first  things  that  strikes  the  mind  of  an  American. 
He  seems  not  only  to  have  gone  six  thousand  miles  from 
home  but  to  have  gone  back  three  thousand  years  in  his- 
tory. ...  All  the  instruments  of  husbandry  are  of  the 
most  simple  kind.  A  straight  stick,  about  four  feet  long, 
with  a  piece  of  iron  at  the  point,  constitutes  the  plough, 
which  stirs  the  ground  about  as  much  as  a  respectable 
pig's  nose.  And  yet  as  the  soil  is  washed  by  the  Nile 
every  year  and  is  exceedingly  fertile,  and  the  people  live 
mostly  on  vegetables,  a  large  population  of  six  millions 
subsist  on  a  small  space  of  land  less  than  half  the  size  of 
Michigan.  .  .  .  Most  of  the  brick  are  of  mud  deposited 
by  the  Nile,  made  roughly  and  dried  in  the  sun,  just  as  in 
the  days  of  Moses.  These  mud  brick  are  laid  into  houses 
ten  or  fifteen  feet  square  and  about  eight  feet  high.  These 
huts,  covered  with  palm  leaves,  without  windows,  con- 
stitute the  majority  of  all  the  houses  of  Egypt.  .  .  .  The 
costumes  and  habits  of  the  people  are  quite  as  simple  and 
antique  as  their  houses.  Some  of  the  Egyptian  officers 
and  nobility  begin  to  yield  a  little  to  French  tailors  and 
milliners,  but  the  great  mass  of  the  people,  although 
adopting  a  great  variety  of  colors  and  patterns,  still  con- 
tinue some  form  of  loose  dress  and  enormous  turban. 
Our  guide  who  accompanied  us  to  the  Pyramids  wore  a 
frock  that  cost  him  seventy-five  cents ;  a  loose  cloth  or 
skirt  around  the  loins,  costing  seventy-five  cents  more ; 
and  a  turban  of  silver  cloth  that  cost  eight  dollars.  .  .  . 
The  spirit  of  oppression  seems  to  be  universal.  The 
higher  officers  oppress  the  lower,  the  under  officers  the 
329 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

people,  and  the  men  beat  the  donkeys.  But  of  all  the  op- 
pression that  of  women  and  girls  is  the  most  deplorable, 
and  this  is  the  secret  of  Egypt's  fall.  It  is  clear  to 
my  mind  that  the  oppression  of  women  leads  to  indo- 
lence, ignorance,  and  the  decline  of  civilization,  and  is 
the  main  cause  of  the  stagnation  of  countries  that  were 
once  the  glory  of  the  whole  earth. 

After  a  description  of  the  Pyramids,  the  quar- 
ries, and  the  petrified  forest,  he  says  : 

We  now  leave  Egypt,  having  experienced  a  strange  and 
deeply  interesting  visit  in  this  classic  land,  which  is  cer- 
tainly, under  the  influence  of  commerce,  aggressive  civili- 
zation, and  religion,  bursting  up  through  the  incrustations 
of  conservatism,  bigotry,  and  tyranny  to  a  higher  life. 
The  Pyramids  may  remain,  but  the  blankets  and  frocks 
will  be  exchanged  for  other  clothing,  carriages  will  take 
the  place  of  donkeys,  pumps  be  used  instead  of  old 
wheels  and  broken  jars,  ploughs  for  sharpened  sticks, 
houses  instead  of  mud  huts;  schools  will  be  established, 
and  the  veils  taken  off  from  the  faces  of  the  women. 
Then  will  Egypt  be  one  of  the  richest  and  most  fertile  spots 
of  earth  ;  and  visitors  will  be  obliged  to  refer  to  history  to 
learn  the  customs  of  the  ancients.  Success  to  those  en- 
gaged in  the  work,  and  all  honor  to  Him  whose  providence 
overrules  the  whole. 


JERUSALEM,  March  22,  1866. 
It  is  just  one  month  since  we  left  the  hotel  at  Suez,  and 
until  last  evening  we  have  not  entered  a  house  of  any 
kind  except  the  convent  of  Mt.  Sinai.  We  were  five  days 
and  nights  upon  the  Red  Sea,  in  a  little  clumsy,  open  Arab 
boat,  sometimes  becalmed,  sometimes  stopped  by  head- 
330 


LETTERS 

winds,  sometimes  drifting  with  a  broken  anchor,  some- 
times excited  in  looking  through  the  clearest  water  ever 
seen  upon  the  most  beautiful  coral  bottom  ever  imagined, 
sometimes  reading,  sometimes  praying,  and  sometimes 
scolding  the  lazy,  cowardly  Arabs  for  unnecessary  delays. 
You  may  be  sure  there  was  a  shout  when  we  leaped  upon 
the  sand  at  Tor,  a  little  cluster  of  huts  120  miles  from 
Suez.  Tents  were  soon  pitched,  tin  plates  and  cups 
brought  out,  and  we  had  our  first  meal  upon  the  desert, 
were  thankful,  set  up  the  family  altar,  and  rested  well. 

The  Gulf  of  Suez  is  walled  in  with  a  bold,  irregular, 
romantic  series  of  hills.  Some  half  dozen  miles  back  of 
these  there  is  another  range  extending  still  onward  far  to 
the  south.  These  mountains,  like  almost  all  others  upon 
the  desert,  present  the  aspect  of  clusters  of  Gothic  points 
crowded  together.  The  atmosphere  is  almost  always  a 
little  hazy,  just  enough  to  soften  the  most  rugged  features 
of  the  mountains  and,  at  a  few  miles'  distance,  render  it 
impossible  to  see  whether  their  sides  are  covered  with 
vegetation  or  not.  When  the  sun  rose,  giving  us  our  first 
morning  view  of  these  desert  hills,  the  scene  was  more 
grand,  sublime,  and  beautiful  than  1  had  ever  supposed 
possible  in  such  a  country.  Beyond  the  plain,  upon  the 
western  edge  of  which  the  waves  of  the  sea  were  dashing 
near  our  tent,  was  stretched  this  long  line  of  mountains, 
pressing  their  sharpened  points  against  the  sky,  as  though 
holding  up  the  curtain  for  the  sun's  rising;  and  as  the 
sunlight  broke  over  some  of  these  points  the  reflected 
light  would  present  some  bright  surface,  like  the  roof  of  a 
house,  while  near  a  little  angle  would  leave  a  space  shaded 
dark,  giving  the  appearance  of  projections  and  recesses 
and  open  buildings.  The  light  and  shade  constantly 
changing  gave  us  a  kind  of  panorama,  the  beauty  of 
which  was  greatly  enhanced  by  the  different  colors  and 
shades  of  the  rocks,  from  the  blackest  basalt  to  the  whit- 
331 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

est  chalk.  That  was  a  glorious  morning,  in  spite  of  the 
miserable,  filthy,  half-dressed  Arabs  who  came  out  to  gaze 
upon  the  curious  American  animals. 

And  now  comes  the  two  great  necessary  evils,  the  most 
unpleasant  part  of  desert  travel — the  Arabs  and  the  cam- 
els. Which  is  the  most  stupid  we  have  not  yet  decided, 
although  the  former  are  certainly  the  most  lazy  and  un- 
truthful. .  .  .  They  go  heavily  armed  with  swords  and 
guns,  but  are  great  cowards,  and  our  party  of  four  gentle- 
men and  two  ladies  felt  perfectly  safe  amidst  all  this  bar- 
barous display,  and  at  times  exercised  authority  over  those 
twelve  armed  men  with  a  good  deal  of  successful,  if  ludi- 
crous, force.  For  our  tents,  baggage,  provisions,  and 
persons,  twelve  camels  were  necessary,  and  as  no  man  is 
rich  enough  to  own  more  than  one  camel,  and  each  man 
must  always  accompany  his  own  camel,  we  had  quite  a 
formidable  cavalcade,  and  moved  on  from  seven  to  ten 
hours  a  day  in  Patriarchal  style.  The  camels,  if  less  pro- 
voking than  their  drivers,  are  not  agreeable  companions. 
I  am  thankful  for  the  existence  of  this  animal,  however, 
for  as  beauty  is  only  appreciated  by  contrast  it  is  well  that 
so  much  ugliness  should  be  concentrated  in  one  animal, 
and  turned  loose  upon  the  desert.  His  moaning  is  the 
worst  part  of  it.  I  never  could  endure  a  sinking,  sicken- 
ing, complaining  spirit  in  bipeds  or  quadrupeds.  But  here 
you  get  it  to  perfection.  If  you  strike  the  camel  he  is  sure 
to  groan;  if  you  let  him  alone,  he  groans;  and  his  music 
is  a  composition  of  the  wail  of  a  starving  army  mule  and 
a  dying  calf.  .  .  . 

But  what  of  the  "sand,  sand,  sand"  of  the  imagina- 
tive writers  ?  Most  of  their  letters  were  written  from  hotels 
near  by,  or  round  about  the  desert,  by  those  who  never 
saw  anything  but  the  border  of  it.  Upon  the  banks 
of  the  Nile  and  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  upon 
some  of  the  hills  between  Cairo  and  Suez,  there  is  sand, 
332 


LETTERS 

of  course.  But  through  the  heart  of  the  desert  for  fifteen 
days  we  did  not  pass  five  miles  of  sand.  The  universal 
surface  is  rock.  For  fifty  miles  around  Mt.  Sinai  the 
mountains  are  high  and  sharp  and  numerous.  From  its 
top  I  counted  nearly  one  hundred  peaks.  Mt.  Sinai  itself 
is  seven  thousand  feet  above  the  sea,  and  two  thousand 
feet  above  the  valley  below,  where  the  Israelites  were 
camped  when  God  talked  with  Moses.  .  .  . 

Three  days  was  the  longest  we  had  to  go  without  find- 
ing water.     The  weather  was  delightful,  the  nights  cool, 
and  only  for  a  short  time  in  the  middle  of  two  or  three 
days  was  the  heat  severe.     But  the  winds  were  very  dry, 
searching  carefully  for  every  drop  of  moisture  even  in  the 
mouth  and  throat ;  and  one  day  the  wind  died  away,  and 
oh,  how  the  sun  did  burn!    The  stone  and  gravel  threw 
back  the  rays  with  increased  force,  and  within  an  hour  the 
face  was  smarting  as  if  by  fire,  the  head  began-  to  swim, 
the  nerves  to  tremble.     Two  hours  of  such  experience  was 
enough  for  me,  and  enough  to  let  us  see  as  never  before 
the  power  of  the  sun,  and  what  it  might  be  three  months 
hence.  .  .  .  Last  Friday  the  soil  began  to  change,  vegeta- 
tion to  increase,  and  Saturday  we  passed  over  a  plain  of 
light  soil,  mostly  cultivated,  for  ten  miles  south  of  Gaza. 
That  old  city  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  world.    It  was  in 
its  glory  when  Abraham  passed  down  into  Egypt,   and 
was  an  old  town  when  Samson  carried  off  its  gate  ;  and  it 
is  still  here,  without    one    particle  of    improvement  for 
three  thousand  years.    There  is  not  a  pane  of  glass,  nor 
a  cart  wheel,  nor  a  bit  of  machinery  to  be  seen.     But  the 
large  olive  orchards  of  old  trees  of  immense  size,  some  of 
them  not  less  than  six  feet  in  diameter,  are  splendid,  and 
the  view  from  the  hill  towards  Hebron  is  one  of  the  finest 
of  the  whole  route.    We  encamped  near  the  spot  where 
Abraham  was  encamped  when  he  received  the  promise. 
From  Hebron  by  Solomon's  Pools,  Bethlehem,  and  Rach- 
el's Tomb  to  Jerusalem.  .  .  . 
333 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

"  The  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,"  and  yet  you 
have  often  heard  of  the  "  barren  mountains  of  Palestine." 
Both  of  these  expressions,  and  other  apparent  contradic- 
tions, are  true.  The  most  unpleasant  and  pleasant  objects 
and  experiences  are  brought  into  close  juxtaposition  in  this 
country — ugliness  and  beauty,  barrenness  and  fertility, 
destitution  of  water  and  the  most  splendid  springs  and 
fountains  in  the  world,  the  best  of  men  and  the  worst  of 
scoundrels,  the  greatest  nuisances  travelers  ever  experi- 
enced and  the  most  delightful  travel;  and,  to  cap  the  cli- 
max, the  lowest  superstition  in  the  world  and  the  most 
glorious  system  of  religion  which  God  could  devise.  And 
after  all,  this  religious  aspect  and  association  is  the  one 
consideration  that  has  made  this  little  spot,  less  than 
two  hundred  miles  long,  the  subject  of  the  deepest  interest 
to  the  civilized  world.  And  yet  more  than  half  the  time 
the  people  here  have  not  been  half  civilized,  and  even  now 
are  scarcely  more  than  a  fair  sample  of  what  society  was 
four  thousand  years  ago.  Is  it  not  strange  that  such  a 
religion  should  have  originated  in  such  a  place  with  such  a 
people?  No,  for  if  it  had  originated  in  Greece  or  Rome 
then  it  might  have  been  attributed  to  mere  human  ability. 
But  there  is  not  now,  and  never  was,  a  degree  of  intelli- 
gence and  development  in  Palestine  and  Syria  sufficient  to 
produce  such  a  system  of  ethics  and  religion  as  Christianity 
embraces  ;  but  Christianity  did  certainly  originate  here, 
and  therefore  it  is  not  of  human  origin.  And  has  not 
Providence  left  this  people  stationary,  and  as  they  were 
two  thousand  years  ago,  to  keep  constantly  before  the 
world  the  fact  that  the  gospel  never  could  have  been  de- 
vised by  human  beings,  and  especially  by  such  men, 
under  such  circumstances?  There  are  associations  con- 
nected with  every  point.  Place  after  place  whose  names 
are  so  often  mentioned  in  the  Bible  were  passed.  But 
I  cannot  attempt  a  reference  to  all  of  these  spots  of 
334 


LETTERS 

interest  nor  to  the  emotions  experienced.  We  have  had 
a  thrillingly  interesting  ride  through  Palestine,  and  now 
after  visiting  Baalbek  and  Damascus  we  bend  our  course 
towards  Europe,  and  —  our  glorious  America. 


San  Francisco,  July  i,  1881. 

The  scenery  west  of  Salt  Lake  is  wild  and  romantic. 
The  narrow  valleys,  or  canons,  with  their  steep  and  per- 
pendicular sides  and  sudden  turns,  remind  one  of  the 
awful  grandeur  of  the  mountains  and  valleys  of  Sinai. 
But  the  little  withered  grass  and  shrubbery  and  decayed 
appearance  of  the  rocks  in  contrast  to  the  Arabian  desert, 
diminishes  the  sense  of  the  grand  and  awful  without 
giving  the  sense  of  the  beautiful.  And  the  gold  of  Sinai 
was  truth  dazzling  in  the  lightnings  of  heaven,  while  the 
gold  of  the  Sierras  is  dug  from  rocks  and  dust,  and  often 
with  the  '*  love  of  money,  the  root  of  all  evil."  .  .  . 

There  are  wonders  here  besides  the  mines  so  often  de- 
scribed. Here  is  the  Humboldt  river  rising  from  springs 
into  which  the  lead  has  been  dropped  for  1700  feet  without 
finding  bottom,  receiving  tributaries,  increasing  to  a  large 
river,  flowing  five  hundred  miles,  uniting  with  the  Carson, 
and  then  sinking  out  of  sight  like  an  exhausted  politician. 
How  these  rivers  and  other  streams  retire  in  a  little 
marsh  in  the  mountains  of  Nevada  without  filling  up 
the  basins  at  all,  is  a  mystery  ;  and  the  artesian  wells  upon 
these  high  lands  much  above  these  "  Sinks,"  and  with  few 
elevations  above  them,  suggest  important  questions.  What 
does  the  thirsty  earth  do  with  these  immense  drinks  in 
these  little  Sinks,  and  what  is  the  force  that  lifts  these 
streams  with  energy  above  the  mountain-tops  ? 

Beside  the  wonders  and  the  grandeur  of  these  mountain 
plains  there  are  points  of  interest  in  association  and  his- 
tory. Here  is  "Starvation  Camp,"  upon  Donner  Creek, 
where  in  the  winter  of  1846  a  company  of  eighty-two 
335 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

persons  were  overtaken  by  a  snowstorm,  and  thirty-six 
perished.  Of  a  party  of  thirteen  sentfor  help,  ten  perished. 
Relief  was  sent,  but  it  was  impossible  to  save  all.  Mrs. 
Donner  refused  to  leave  her  husband,  and  when  the  spot 
was  visited  again  his  body  was  found  carefully  laid  out  by 
her.     How  long  she  survived  him  is  not  known. 

Think  you  this  spot  was  passed  without  thinking  of  the 
many  who  have  perished  upon  these  barren  fields,  and  of 
personal  experiences  at  the  death  bed,  where  clinging  affec- 
tions have  been  sundered  at  last?  Oh,  what  a  world! 
and  what  is  life  without  a  future  life?  But  life  is  not  all  a 
desert,  neither  is  the  journey  to  California.  From  the 
barren  mountains  we  soon  glide  down  through  the  fruit 
orchards  and  fertile  valleys  above  Sacramento.  .  .  . 


San  FRANCISCO,  July  i8,  1881. 
The  most  remarkable  thing  in  this  city  is  San  Francisco. 
Here  among  these  sand  hills,  a  little  while  ago,  there 
were  a  few  earthen-covered  cabins  occupied  by  a  few  trad- 
ers, Mexicans,  and  missionaries.  Now  a  city  of  nearly 
300,000  people,  with  handsome,  broad  streets,  splendid 
mansions  and  public  buildings,  and  all  the  characteristics 
of  a  large,  growing  city.  The  sand  hills  have  mostly  dis- 
appeared, and  the  mountains,  surpassing  the  ''seven  hills 
of  Rome"  and  the  "  tri-mountains  "  of  Boston,  are  orna- 
mented with  costly  buildings.  The  writer  is  now  looking 
upon  a  dwelling  said  to  have  cost  two  millions  of  dollars, 
and  others  near  seem  almost  as  grand.  The  elevation 
and  size  give  grandeur,  the  floral  and  architectural  orna. 
mentations  add  beauty,  and  the  California  cable  cars  fur- 
nish convenience.  .  .  .  With  the  largest  ocean  upon  the 
globe,  a  harbor  three  hundred  miles  in  circumference, 
mountains  within  and  around  the  city,  and  the  vast  sources 
of  wealth,  it  is  not  strange  that  great  men  with  great  am- 
bition and  great  fortunes  are  found  here. 
336 


LETTERS 

The  field  for  Christian  work  in  this  country  and  city  is 
very  important,  white,  waiting  ;  may  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest send  the  reapers !  There  are  some  choice  spirits  here. 
I  met  a  man  eighty-seven  years  old  who  attends  prayer 
meetings  regularly,  and  takes  active  part,  and  exhibited 
deep  interest  in  the  sermon  yesterday.  Let  those  who, 
twenty  or  thirty  years  younger,  make  gray  hairs  an 
excuse  for  not  attending  religious  meetings  while  able  to 
go  to  parties  for  pleasure,  business,  or  politics,  learn  a 
lesson.  But  the  secret  of  this  man's  strength  of  faith, 
and  thus  enduring  to  the  end,  is  this :  he  always  takes  an 
active  part  in  social  worship,  and  has  read  the  Bible 
through  sixty-six  times.  "  Blessed  are  those  that  keep 
His  testimonies." 


YOSEMITE,  July,  1881. 
A  quaint  old  traveling  companion  in  Constantinople, 
after  visiting  the  Bazars,  his  usual  place  of  resort, 
stretched  his  feet  to  a  small  fire,  exclaiming  in  a  tone  ex- 
pressive of  great  disgust:  "  Any  man  able  to  have  a  ten- 
foot  room  and  grate  of  his  own  in  America  who  will  come 
over  here  and  ramble  over  these  ruins  and  hills,  must  be 
an  uncommonly  big-sized  fool!  "  I  am  sure  that  expres- 
sion, and  especially  that  last  clause,  has  been  remembered 
a  thousand  times.  And  last  Thursday  morning,  after  en- 
joying good  accommodations  at  Madera,  and  looking  down 
the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad  toward  home,  thinking  of 
ninety  miles  of  staging  over  the  hills  and  a  ramble  over 
this  Big  Hole  in  the  mountain,  that  sentence  came  up 
again.  But  the  mountains  and  health  !  So  when  at  half- 
past  six  o'clock  the  splendid  team  of  six  horses  and 
coach  for  twelve  passengers  whirled  up,  we  were  off  like 
the  wind,  and  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes  the  morning 
breeze,  immense  plains  and  wheatfields,  and  the  speed 
secured  a  unanimous  vote  that  going  to  the  mountains 
337 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

was  wise,  and  somebody  else  was  the  big  fool.  As  there 
was  but  one  passenger,  I  knew  exactly  how  the  vote  stood. 
The  first  twelve  miles  was  completed  in  one  hour  and  five 
minutes,  without  the  use  of  a  whip.  From  that  point, 
changing  teams  every  twelve  miles,  the  rocks,  foot  hills, 
and  mountains,  with  shrubbery,  stunted  trees,  and  sugar 
pines  twenty-five  feet  in  circumference,  were  successfully 
passed,  and  sixty-eight  miles  completed  early.  With 
twenty-six  miles  the  next  forenoon  the  monopolist  of  that 
coach  entered  the  great  mountain  wonder.  If  any  person 
wishes  to  try  such  a  monopoly,  if  the  irons  gripped  so 
thoroughly  are  not  worn  out  nor  the  leather  covering  of 
the  cushions  so  thoroughly  pounded  are  not  worn  through, 
the  proprietors  will  be  thankful ;  and  as  other  monopolists 
seek  luxurious  country  seats  so  this  traveling  monopolist 
will  prefer  a  luxurious  seat  for  awhile.  But  there  are 
compensations.  The  horses  are  the  best  I  ever  saw  upon 
any  stage  route,  the  roads  splendid,  fifty  miles  built  by 
the  Stage  Company,  at  a  cost  of  $70,000,  through  the 
most  romantic  scenery  imaginable. 

Generally  there  is  abundance  of  good  company,  for 
nearly  two  thousand  visit  these  wilds  at  a  cost  of  about 
$200,000  in  three  months,  yet  most  go  in  parties,  often 
crowding  the  coach.  But  as  this  one  passenger  this  time 
is  always  fond  of  good(?)  company  and  mountain  scenery, 
that  ride  was  a  luxury  beyond  description. 

Descriptive  terms  and  figures  have  been  exhausted  in 
efforts  to  describe  the  scenery  of  this  world-renowned 
spot.  ...  It  is  about  one  mile  wide  and  ten  miles  long, 
in  crescent  form.  The  valley  is  4000  feet  above  the  sea, 
its  walks  irregular,  but  ranging  from  2000  to  5000  feet 
high  and  often  perpendicular.  The  rocks  are  granite, 
generally  light  colored.  Every  type  of  mountain  upon 
earth  is  here  represented.  The  sharp  Gothic  points  of  Sinai, 
the  perfect  domes  of  Palestine,  the  rugged,  irregular  shapes 
338 


LETTERS 

of  the  Alps,  may  be  seen  here  at  a  glance.  But  to  get  the 
conception  of  the  magnitude  is  difficult.  A  man  has  to 
look  three  times  to  see  the  height.  He  sees  a  rock  by  his 
side— looks  up  to  see  what  is  over  it— and  then  again  for 
the  top.  Dean  Swift's  seventy-nine  distinct  smells  in  Leg- 
horn were  no  more  clearly  defined.  Let  one  look  at  the 
gate-post  of  the  valley,  3300  feet  high,  and  imagine  a 
column  made  of  fifteen  shafts  the  height  of  Bunker  Hill 
Monument.  Or  take  eight  churches  like  old  Trinity  of 
New  York,  hang  each  upon  the  pinnacle  of  the  other,  and 
then  they  are  no  more  than  equal  to  the  "  Cathedral 
Domes  "  of  Yosemite.  If  Niagara  Falls  were  elevated 
fourteen  times  as  high  as  they  are,  Yosemite  Falls  would 
still  be  higher.  The  quantity  of  water  over  these  falls 
is  not  large,  especially  in  summer,  but  their  music  is  con- 
stant, and  the  beautiful  forms  of  the  currents  and  spray 
hang  like  master  touches  of  supernatural  pencils.  From 
the  valley  these  waters  seem  to  fall  from  the  cloudless 
skies,  for  higher  land  is  hardly  conceivable.  But  from 
one  of  these  domes,  900  feet  above  the  sea  level,  points  are 
seen  nearly  twice  as  high,  and  v^ast  fields  of  mountains 
with  perpetual  snow  upon  their  shoulders.  Mount  Wash- 
ington is  duplicated  a  hundred  times.  Indeed,  if  all  the 
Green  Mountains  were  piled  upon  the  White  Mountains, 
the  whole  would  be  a  small  pile  compared  with  the  fields 
of  mountains  with  which  nature  has  furnished  this  roman- 
tic walk  of  ten  miles.  .  .  . 

The  pleasure  of  the  trip  is  much  enhanced  by  the  ride  of 
ten  or  fifteen  miles  through  the  Big  Tree  forest,  now  held  as 
a  government  park.  These  trees  found  only  in  California, 
and  protected  by  government  only  in  this  place,  are  almost 
as  marvelous  as  Yosemite.  There  are  hundreds  of  these 
forest  monsters,  one  of  which  measures  ninety-two  feet  in 
circumference  at  eight  feet  above  the  ground.  The  stage 
road  passes  through  another,  leaving  about  eight  feet  each 
339 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

side  of  the  road  uncut  and  the  top  alive  and  doing  well. 
These  giant  trees  and  mountains  seem  to  be  echoing  the 
inspired  declaration :  "  The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great, 
sought  out  by  all  them  that  have  pleasure  therein." 

This  week  has  been  greatly  enjoyed,  and  its  wonders 
placed  in  the  temple  of  memory  by  the  side  of  the  awful 
grandeur  of  Sinai  and  the  beauty  of  Lebanon. 


340 


Skeletons  of  Sermons 

"  The  Fact  of  Divme  Government  a  Source  of  Joy. ^' — PSALM 
67:  4  and  97  :  I. 

Introduction. 

Skill  and  efficiency  in  use  of  single  tool  an  honor  and  a 
pleasure ;  more  so  in  many,  as  in  manufacturing ;  more 
still  in  control  and  direction  of  man,  as  in  society  and  in 
government. 

In  Divine  government  is  highest  joy. 

I.    In  the  physical. 

1.  Extent  and  universality — grand. 

2.  Utility— nothing  in  vain. 

3.  Uniformity  of  laws  of  nature. 

4.  Providential  and  physical  laws  of  nations. 
Conditions  of  national  life  and  death  as  well  as  bodily 

health.    God  governs  rise  and  fall  of  nations  as  well  as 
tides  of  ocean. 
II.    Special  joy  in  God's  moral  government. 

1.  Supremacy  of  its  authority. 

2.  Universality. 

3.  Minuteness,  exactness,  efficiency. 

4.  Justice  of  its  penalties. 

In  the  future,  as  here,  penalty  will  be  just,  and  given  in 
love  and  benevolence.  Does  the  judge  lack  regard  for 
humanity  when  giving  verdict  against  criminals?  Just 
the  opposite.  Cannot  have  government  without  law,  or 
law  without  penalty. 

5.  Character  and  condition  of  its  remedies. 

341 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

All  government  assumes  human  depravity.  Law  as- 
sumes evil  and  professes  to  remedy  it.  Our  law  allows 
substitution,  as  in  case  of  fines.  So  Christ  died  to  save 
us. 

6.  Certainty  of  its  truths  and  promises. 

If  I  were  starving,  the  promise  of  some  men  in  this  audi- 
ence would  be  equivalent  to  bread.  So  we  rely  on  the 
pledges  of  our  government.  And  m.ore  than  these  the 
promises  of  God  are  sure. 

7.  It  will  vindicate  the  right  and  righteous,  and  con- 
demn sin  and  sinners. 

So  we  rest  on  fact  of  Divine  government  in  physical 
and  moral  world.  As  the  traveler  is  glad  to  be  under  his 
own  flag  we  joy  to  be  under  that  of  our  Lord.  The 
clouds  are  his  banner,  the  forest  trees  his  flag  staff,  every 
breeze  proclaims  him  king.     Nations  bow  before  him. 

(a)  In  view  of  these  facts,  do  we  acknowledge  his 
authority.? 

If  our  Republic  called  all  would  respond,  as  twenty-five 
years  ago.    Shall  we  do  less  for  our  Divine  Commander-'* 

(b)  Do  we  realize  the  danger  of  being  without  the  protec- 
tion of  this  Divine  government,  and  the  approval  of  the 
Divine  Ruler  and  Master? 

[This  was  a  strong  discourse,  clear  and  searching,  but 
comforting  and  assuring.] 


"  Tlie  Eternal  Consequences  of  this  Life^ — GAL.  6  :  7. 

This  text  and  this  discourse  assume  first,  man's  im- 
mortality ;  and  second,  his  continuous  and  eternal  identity. 

The  text  indicates  the  danger  of  deception  respecting 
the  consequences  of  present  actions,  and  that  such  decep- 
tion is  mockery  of  God.  The  text  positively  affirms  that 
the  character  and  experiences  of  this  life  affect  character 
and  experiences  of  future  life.  This  is  evident 
342 


SKELETONS  OF  SERMONS 

I.    From  nature  and  surroundings  of  present  life. 

1.  Universality  of  law  of  cause  and  effect.  This  law 
is  universal  over  all  things  and  actions  so  far  as  seen  in 
human  experience. 

2.  All  the  forces  of  life  and  time,  in  matter  and  mind, 
seem  to  be  means  to  a  future  end,  therefore  affect  the  end. 

3.  Final,  ultimate,  and  eternal  consequences  are  con- 
stantly seen  in  loss  of  time  and  opportunities,  senses  and 
capabilities.  An  eye  lost  is  gone  forever ;  a  day  lost,  a 
day  behind  always. 

II.  Nature  of  death. 

1.  In  general  consciousness  and  belief,  it  affects  body 
only. 

2.  It  cannot  change  moral  character,  which  is  always  a 
voluntary  state  of  mind. 

III.  Universal  belief  and  consciousness. 

1.  All  men  feel  desire  to  correct  evils  and  settle  diffi- 
culties before  they  die,  feeling  a  necessary  expectation  of 
future  results  from  past  action. 

2.  This  is  general  belief  of  all  nations  and  times,  and 
there  is  no  good  reason  for  such  general  belief  but  its 
truthfulness. 

3.  Religious  rites  and  sacrifices  of  all  nations  for  the 
future. 

IV.  Progressive  nature  of  mind. 

1.  Improvement  in  right  secures  eternal  gain. 

2.  Neglect,  eternal  loss. 

V.  Law  of  habit. 

It  increases  the  fixedness  of  character  and  condition,  and 
must  produce  an  unalterable  state  hereafter. 

VI.  Continuous  identity  includes  memory,  and  recollec- 
tion of  unforgiven  wrong  to  God  or  man  must  affect  the 
future  state.  Happiness  with  those  abused  is  impossible 
while  the  abuse  is  unforgiven. 

343 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

VII.  God  is  just.  Justice  is  not  executed  in  tliis  life, 
upon  the  innocent,  nor  upon  the  guilty,  for  they  are  often 
deadened  in  feeling  or  conscience,  or  die  in  the  very  act. 
Hence  justice  must  be  administered  in  the  future  life. 

[This  was  a  powerful  sermon,  its  effect  on  the  audience 
wonderful,  especially  when  illustrating  the  final  conse- 
quences seen  in  this  life  by  travelers  on  Alpine  summits, 
in  speaking  of  the  power  of  habit,  and  in  the  closing  argu- 
ment on  the  eternal  justice  of  God.] 


344 


A  Sermon 

THE  POWER  OF  FAITH 

"  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  1/ ye  have  faith  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed, 
ye  shall  say  unto  this  mountain,  Remove  to  yonder  place,  and  it  shall  re- 
move; and  nothing  shall  be  impossible  unto  you." — Matt.  17:  20. 

The  supernatural  power  and  possibility  suggested  in 
this  text  is  conditioned  upon  faith,  which  in  nature  or  de- 
gree is  illustrated  by  the  mustard  seed.  Some  think  the 
development  and  growth  of  faith  is  illustrated  by  the 
rapid  growth  from  this  small  seed.  Others  suppose  the 
object  of  the  figure  is  simply  to  say  that  the  smallest  de- 
gree of  true  faith  would  be  adequate  for  the  most  marvel- 
ous works.  The  difference  in  these  expositions  is  not 
great.  The  smallest  degree  of  faith  will  be  growing  faith, 
and  thus  well  illustrated  in  both  its  nature  and  degree  by 
this  "least  of  all  seeds." 

All  faith  is  preceded  by  knowledge.  All  knowledge  im- 
plies the  existence  of  mental  faculties,  and  depends  upon 
one  or  more  of  four  causes  or  conditions,— intuition  and 
necessary  truths,  sense  and  perception,  testimony  of 
others,  and  reasoning.  Knowledge  is  either  positive  or 
probable.  A  comparatively  small  circle  surrounds  every 
intelligent  finite  being,  within  which  things  are  so  posi- 
tively known  that  they  are  neither  believed  nor  doubted. 
We  do  not  believe,  but  know,  that  the  sides  of  a  true 
square  are  equal,  and  that  every  effect  has  a  cause ;  that 
the  sun  shines  and  the  wind  blows  ;  that  C^sar  lived  and 
Luther  preached  ;  that  the  certainties  of  mathematics  and 
astronomy  cannot  be  doubted. 
345 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

When  a  reasonable  doubt  is  possible,  probability  takes 
the  place  of  certainty,  and  faith  the  place  of  positive 
knowledge.  Between  that  which  is  positively  known  and 
that  which  is  positively  unknown  there  is  a  wide  field  of 
probability  and  faith.  In  this  field  we  find  the  activities, 
responsibilities,  and  duties  of  human  life.  And  here  is  de- 
veloped the  mightiest  force  of  the  universe,  ihe  power  of 
faith.  "Through  faith  we  understand  the  worlds  were 
framed  by  the  word  of  God."  From  the  throne  of  God 
through  all  the  experience  and  history  of  intelligent  beings, 
individually  or  collectively,  faith  is  the  all-pervading,  uni- 
versal power. 

This  faith  may  be  intellectual  or  moral.  Intellectual 
faith  embraces  all  those  states  of  mind  in  believing  and 
trusting  forces,  laws,  facts,  and  statements  not  involving 
moral  character.  Even  in  this  sense,  without  regard  to 
right  or  wrong,  its  power  is  immense. 

1.  Subjectively,  upon  the  mind  itself.  Every  possible 
degree  of  mental  growth  and  development  depends  upon 
this  principle  as  really  as  physiological  life  depends  upon 
oxygen.  Respecting  what  is  partially  known  or  probable, 
something  more  is  believed,  and  thus  what  is  possible  be- 
comes probable,  and  probability  more  certain.  Possibili- 
ties, at  first  only  subjects  of  hope,  become  matters  of 
belief,  then  inducements  to  action  and  causes  of  highest 
intellectual  attainments. 

2.  This  power  is  the  efficient  cause  in  scientific  investi- 
gation and  discovery.  Some  fact  is  known  which  directly 
or  otherwise  indicates  other  facts  to  be  believed ;  and  fol- 
lowing the  lead  of  such  beliefs  the  mysteries  and  utilities 
of  salience  are  brought  to  light,  and  nature  is  made  an 
open  volume.  Even  accidental  discoveries  are  not  thought 
of  until  seen  upon  the  sides  of  paths  pursued  by  faith  in 
search  of  something  not  known.  Faith  is  the  fundamen- 
tal element  in   every   scientific  work,  the   inspiration  of 

346 


A  SERMON 

every  scientist,  the  iieadligiit  in  every  true  system  of  pliii- 
osophy.  It  was  tlie  pilot  for  Columbus ;  the  lamp  with 
which  the  mariner's  compass,  the  printing-press,  the 
steam  engine,  the  railroad,  the  telegraph,  and  the  tele- 
phone were  discovered. 

3.  This  power  is  the  light  and  life  of  art.  In  music, 
painting,  and  architecture,  faith  in  what  is  not  seen  is  the 
inspiration.  By  it  palaces  are  planned,  temples  built, 
their  walls  ornamented  and  music  furnished.  Mechanical 
arts,  manufacturing,  and  commerce  are  controlled  by  this 
same  power.  As  agriculturists  live  by  faith  in  seasons 
and  harvests  not  yet  seen,  so  teachers,  lawyers,  physicians, 
and  clergymen  must  necessarily  live  and  labor  upon  this 
principle. 

4.  Faith  is  the  fundamental  element  in  all  social  and 
civil  life  and  happiness.  The  statesman,  above  all  others, 
is  and  must  be  a  man  of  faith.  Animal  instincts  may 
control  and  be  controlled  by  direct  and  present  impulse, 
but  men  must  believe  in  something  not  seen  and  in  the 
future.  All  men  are  dependent,  and  the  feeling  and  con- 
sciousness of  such  dependence  necessarily  leads  to  confi- 
dence in  something  upon  which  to  depend.  Rulers  and 
generals  are  often  successful  or  otherwise  in  proportion  to 
their  faith.  Whole  armies  are  frequently  victorious  by 
faith  in  their  leaders,  or  lost  by  the  lack  of  such  faith. 
Generally,  true  courage  is  the  courage  of  faith,  without 
which  defeat  is  almost  sure. 

5.  But  the  most  common  and  striking  manifestation  of 
the  power  of  faith  is  seen  in  its  influence  upon  the  body 
through  the  mind.  The  wild  confidence  of  the  maniac 
frequently  doubles  his  muscular  force;  and  the  waiting, 
loving  mother  or  wife  endures  fatigue  and  labor  for  loved 
ones  with  almost  superhuman  strength.  Love  and  faith 
give  strength  that  nothing  else  could  produce. 

347 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

And  so  in  many  cases  of  sickness.  Some  are  cured  by 
faith  in  medicines,  and  some  by  faith  in  doctors,  when 
there  is  no  virtue  in  either.  Intelligent  physicians  gen- 
erally put  quite  as  much  reliance  upon  the  right  state  of 
mind  in  their  patients  as  in  medicine.  And  probably  more 
people  die  from  the  lack  of  faith  than  from  the  lack  of  reme- 
dies. In  despondency  appetite  and  digestion  are  deranged, 
company  and  exercise  avoided,  and  disease  increased. 
Faith  in  something  or  in  somebody  is  often  a  condition  of 
health.  Whatever  of  remedial  force  is  experienced  under 
the  influence  of  mesmerism,  spiritualism,  Christian 
Science,  Mormonism,  etc.,  is  undoubtedly  the  influence  of 
the  mind  upon  the  body,  and  the  influence  of  the  mind  as 
exercising  some  kind  of  faith.  It  is  not  all  imagination, 
but  real  belief  in  the  power  professed  and  expectation  of 
promised  relief,  that  stimulates  the  organs  and  functions 
of  the  system  so  as  to  overcome  disease  and  restore 
health.  The  forces  of  human  nature  are  material,  in- 
stinctive, and  mental,  and  in  general  purpose  unite  in  pro- 
tecting life  and  promoting  health.  It  is  not  always  easy 
to  distinguish  one  from  the  other,  or  to  know  exactly  the 
limits  of  either,  but  of  the  fact  of  the  influence  of  mind 
upon  the  body,  and  of  faith  upon  the  mind,  there  can  be 
no  doubt;  and  that  most  of  the  marvelous  cures  effected 
by  quacks  and  fanatics  are  to  be  referred  to  this  cause  is 
quite  certain.  Such  is  the  power  of  faith  as  simple  intel- 
lectual belief  in  things  and  truths.  But  when  this  confi- 
dence, or  faith,  is  exercised  respecting  moral  beings,  it  is 
another  matter  altogether.  As  soon  as  man  perceives 
relations  to  moral  beings  he  necessarily  feels  himself 
under  obligation,  and  that  under  such  obligation  some- 
thing is  due  to  others,  and  that  love  or  good-will  is  the 
general  duty  to  God  and  all  his  creatures. 

This  is  moral  faith.    Not  simply  confidence  in  matter 
and  its  laws,  intuitions  and  reasonings,  historic  truths  and 
348 


A  SERMON 

future  events,  but  loving  confidence   in   a  living  being.  ) 
It  is  just  as  distinct  from  intellectual  faith  as  the  feeling  of  ,' 
love  for  a  father  is  distinct  from  the  estimate  of  his  por-  • 
trait.    A  child  may  believe  the  words  of  a  stranger,  but  ? 
may  have  faith  in   a  mother  when  she  does  not  speak. 
Devils  believe  what  God  says,  but  they  do  not  believe  in 
God.     Man  sees  with  his  eyes,  hears  with  his  ears,  has 
all  his  physical  qualities  in  his  physical  nature,  and  all  his 
moral  character    in    his    moral  nature.     Whenever  the 
right  kind  and  degree  of  confidence  and  love  are  exercised, 
it  is  all  that  a  moral  being  as  such  can  do.    And  hence 
love,   which   implies  proper  estimate  and  emotion,  is  the 
fulfilling  of   the  law.     A   man   may  be   responsible  for 
accepting  or  rejecting  evidence,  but  simple  belief  as  such — 
assent  of  the  understanding  to  evidence  —  is  neither  right 
nor  wrong ;  but  "  faith  in  God  that  works  by  love  and 
purifies  the  heart"  is  allegiance  to  God,  obedience  to  his 
law,  and  the  condition  of  childhood  in  his  family.    Such 
faith  has  power : 

1.  Over  the  personal  character  and  conduct.  "To  them 
that  believe  on  his  name  "  he  gives  "  power  to  become  the 
sons  of  God."  "And  if  sons,  then  heirs,  heirs  of  God, 
and  joint  heirs  with  Christ."  This  secures  the  "  Spirit  of 
life  in  Christ "  which  gives  power  over  the  appetites  and 
instincts  of  the  flesh,  securing  a  new  "  birth  of  the  Spirit," 
a  "birth  from  above,"  a  new  life  "hid  with  Christ  in 
God."  It  gives  power  for  ruling  the  ambitions  and  fluctu- 
ations of  one's  own  spirit,  which  is  "  better  than  to  rule  a 
city."  In  a  word,  the  whole  of  true  Christian  character 
and  all  good  conduct  depends  upon  true  faith  in  God. 

2.  This  is  the  power  that  endures  all  things.  Loving 
confidence  in  family  and  friends  will  sometimes  sustain 
with  marvelous  fortitude  the  labor  and  suffering  for  their 
welfare.  But  faith  in  God  surpasses  in  this  respect  all 
other  kinds  and  degrees  of  strength.     It  seems  to  secure 

349 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

divine  power,  so  that  in  tlie  severest  and  most  excruciating 
distress  the  sufferers  are  not  only  able  to  endure,  but  to 
rejoice,  in  tribulation.  The  fire  and  blood  of  torture  and 
martyrdom  are  thus  endured  with  patience  and  triumph. 
Buddhists  and  Stoics  have  tried  in  vain  to  be  insensible  to 
pain,  while  the  luxurious  and  profligate  have  with  equal 
failure  tried  to  increase  animal  pleasures  in  excess  of  suf- 
fering, but  to  faith  alone  belongs  the  honor  of  power  for 
triumphantly  and  profitably  enduring  the  ills  of  life.  The 
world's  sorrows  are  conquered,  and  its  tears  provisionally 
wiped  away. 

3.  ''  This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even 
our  faith."  Whether  we  look  at  the  human  heart  in  its 
natural  depravity  and  tendency  to  selfishness  and  sin,  or 
upon  the  world  in  its  bloody  history  and  general  guilt  and 
blackness  of  crime,  we  are  forced  to  admit  that  power  for 
overcoming  such  a  world  must  be  superhuman.  Civil 
authority  and  military  discipline,  art  and  culture,  science 
and  wealth,  have  all  been  tried  in  vain  for  that  purpose. 
Natural  religion,  reason,  and  philosophy  have  all  been 
powerless  in  the  fight  against  sin.  But  the  "  good  fight  of 
faith  "  has  been  successful  whenever  and  wherever  it  has 
been  tried.  No  intelligent  man  expects  victory  over  the 
world's  crimes  and  miseries  without  faith  in  truth,  and 
truth  in  morals  is  only  successful  with  its  personification 
in  some  living  being,  and  none  but  God  is  a  true  personi- 
fication of  "  the  truth  which  shall  make  you  free  "  and  by 
which  men  are  "sanctified  through  the  truth."  This  is 
the  "faith  that  subdued  kingdoms,  wrought  righteous- 
ness, obtained  promises,  stopped  the  mouths  of  lions, 
quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  turned  to  flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens." 

It  not  only  conquers  the  world,  but  gives  new  life.     It 
conquers   to  save.    Stoicism  only  claims  to  deaden  the 
pangs  of  pain.     Pleasure  seekers  only  pretend  to  furnish 
350 


A  SERMON 

temporary  pleasures.  Wealth  can  only  furnish  a  limited 
supply  of  gratifications,  and  further  increase  multiplies 
cares  and  troubles.  The  modern  type  of  old  heathenism 
which  teaches  men  to  deny  the  pain  that  everybody  knows 
is  really  experienced,  is  only  a  denial  of  common  conscious- 
ness and  common  sense.  But  Christian  faith  furnishes 
the  good  instead  of  evil,  happiness  in  the  place  of  sorrow, 
hope  for  despair.  It  is  thus  the  great  and  the  only  reform- 
atory power  the  world  has  ever  seen.  Faith  is  the  vital 
force  of  all  benevolent  and  Christian  enterprises.  With- 
out this,  organizations  are  but  dead  bodies.  Priestcraft, 
ritualism,  and  moral  machinery  may  operate  for  awhile, 
like  galvanism  upon  a  corpse,  but  the  true  element  of  life 
and  usefulness  is  gone.  Faith  that  stirs  men  to  "take 
hold  on  God"  is  the  only  hope  of  the  Church  and  the 
world. 

4.  This  power  is  promised  and  manifested  especially  in 
connection  with  prayer,  which  is  the  condition  of  certain 
blessings  not  otherwise  secured.  All  blessings  have  their 
appropriate  conditions.  The  eye  for  beauty,  the  ear  for 
music,  the  sense  of  taste  for  food.  Health  and  strength, 
food  and  raiment,  knowledge  and  civilization,  all  have  their 
conditions.  So  it  is  with  reference  to  happiness,  holiness, 
and  hope.  "  Whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  saved."  A  man  might  as  well  think  of 
eating  plates  for  food,  studying  astronomy  with  a  plow, 
or  clothing  himself  with  arguments,  as  to  expect  to  be 
saved  without  faith.  And  he  might  as  well  think  of 
living  happily  with  his  wife  without  conversation  as  to 
pretend  to  love  God  and  not  speak  or  pray  to  him.  Prayer 
as  an  act  of  worship  has  its  purposes,  and  is  the  condition 
of  many  blessings  regardless  of  specific  petitions.  And 
even  specific  petitions  are  often  general  conditions.  Repeti- 
tion, multiplicity,  and  importunity  may  be  necessary  to 
success.  Cornelius  was  informed  that  his  prayers  came 
351 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

up  before  God.  How  many  were  necessary  to  secure  that 
answer  we  do  not  know,  nor  how  many  times  Jacob 
repeated  his  request.  We  only  know  that  the  repetition 
is  sometimes  the  condition.  But  there  are  two  universal, 
indispensable  conditions  of  successful  petition  in  prayer : 
that  general,  evangelical,  loving  trust  which  accepts  of 
God's  promises  and  embraces  the  living  God  in  Christ  as 
a  real,  living  being,  such  confidence  and  love  as  lead  from 
sin  to  entire  submission  ;  and  "  if  we  ask  anything  accord- 
ing to  his  will,"  he  heareth.  A  saving  faith  and  petitions 
according  to  God's  will  are  requisite  always.  The  Word 
of  God,  providential  circumstances,  and  the  influence  of 
the  Spirit  are  the  sources  of  our  knowledge  upon  that 
question.  And  then  we  may  not  know  positively,  and  so 
must  follow  Christ  in  saying,  "  Thy  will  be  done."  Peti- 
tions thus  inspired  may  be  answered  in  one  of  two  ways  : 
sometimes  by  the  specific  blessing  asked  for,  but  more 
commonly  by  the  gift  of  the  ultimate  blessing  contem- 
plated in  the  specific  petition.  A  widow  may  ask  for 
money  to  purchase  bread.  If  the  money  is  not  given,  the 
prayer  is  answered  if  the  bread  is  bestowed.  A  patient 
may  ask  his  physician  for  a  certain  medicine  to  cure  his 
disease.  The  doctor,  knowing  better,  may  effect  a  cure  by 
other  means  and  thus  answer  the  petition.  Every  pray- 
ing man  has  some  end  more  generic  and  ultimate  than  his 
specific  petition.  A  man  prays  for  wealth  or  health,  but 
neither  could  be  a  blessing  without  a  right  state  of  mind, 
nor  a  real  good  if  asked  for  animal  and  selfish  purposes. 
If,  in  the  loss  of  both,  the  higher  happiness  is  secured,  the 
prayer  is  answered.  Any  prayer  offered  for  the  life  of 
James  A.  Garfield  as  a  mere  animal  life,  or  a  life  in  in- 
sanity or  crime,  was  an  abomination ;  but  every  prayer 
offered  for  that  life  in  true  faith  was  answered  in  the 
general  good  of  the  nation,  the  ultimate  end  of  all  true 
Christian  citizens.  All  true  faith  reaches  above  and  be- 
352 


A  SERMON 

yond  mere  facts,  to  God  himself.  There  is  scarcely  a 
greater  absurdity  conceivable  than  the  assumption  that  the 
belief  in  certain  historic  facts  or  future  events  is  faith. 
A  belief  that  a  sick  friend  is  going  to  recover  may  be  en- 
tertained by  a  praying  Christian  or  an  infidel  quack  with- 
out any  faith  in  God.  An  unbelieving  worldling  may  be- 
lieve that  church  prosperity  is  sure  to  follow  the  eloquent 
sensationalist,  while  the  true  believer  sees  no  grounds  for 
such  expectations.  Belief  in  a  coming  revival  may  be 
firm  without  the  least  faith.  "  The  effectual,  fervent 
prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much,"  and  any  such 
man  to  whom  God  reveals  his  will  and  purpose  respecting 
any  blessing  or  desired  event,  requiring  prayer  as  its  con- 
dition, is  in  joint  heirship  with  Christ,  and  can  never  fail 
in  anything  asked  in  his  name.  There  is  no  limit  to  the 
power  of  faith  in  prayer  but  the  will  of  God.  To  stop  the 
sun,  transplant  the  mountain,  heal  the  sick,  or  raise  the 
dead  is  possible  for  the  Almighty,  and  for  those  whom  he 
authorizes.  But  let  no  one  imagine  that  his  belief  in  such 
possibilities  is  evidence  of  divine  authority.  Indeed,  there 
is  not  a  particle  of  evidence  that  the  power  to  work  mira- 
cles was  ever  given  to  any  one  as  a  continuous  gift  to  be 
employed  at  his  own  pleasure.  Once  Joshua  stopped  the 
sun,  once  Elijah  prayed  for  rain,  and  once  Paul  shook  off 
the  deadly  viper,  but  never  to  gratify  ambition  or  curiosity. 
To  prove  divine  authority,  miracles  were  wrought,  and  un- 
doubtedly only  upon  the  revelation  of  God.  If  anybody 
has  such  revelations  now,  let  him  show  the  power. 
"  These  signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe."  And  so  it 
has  been,  but  not  all  believers  at  all  times  and  places,  but 
so  as  to  prove  the  presence  and  authority  of  Christ.  Even 
Christ  did  not  work  miracles  alike  in  all  places.  If  mira- 
cles are  necessary,  the  power  of  faith  is  the  same  as  ever. 
And  they  were  never  wrought  when  unnecessary.  "The 
prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick."  But  not  all  the  sick  ; 
if  so,  none  would  die. 

353 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

There  remains  yet  one  other  question  respecting  this 
power  of  faith.  Where  or  in  what  department  of  the 
divine  administration  is  this  power  to  be  exercised?  In 
the  physical  or  moral  government  of  God.  One  method 
was  adopted  in  talking  with  Adam,  another  with  Moses, 
another  with  the  prophets,  and  yet  another  in  the  Gospel 
dispensation.  John  prophesied  of  Christ  and  the  baptism 
of  the  Spirit.  Christ,  after  promising  to  "be  with  his 
people  to  the  end  of  the  world,"  and  to  "  meet  with  two 
or  three  who  should  meet  in  his  name,"  said  it  was  "ex- 
pedient "  for  him  to  go  away,  for  he  would  send  "  another 
Comforter  who  should  abide  with  them  for  ever."  Order- 
ing the  Apostles  to  "  wait  in  Jerusalem  until  endued  with 
power  from  on  high,"  he  left  the  world  to  be  governed 
under  the  influence  of  the  Spirit.  This  spirit  was  poured 
out  at  the  Day  of  Pentecost,  at  the  opening  of  the  king- 
dom to  the  Samaritans  and  the  Gentiles,  and  in  all  the 
Christian  churches.  The  church  is  now  a  "spiritual 
building,"  and  its  praying  is  "  in  the  Holy  Ghost,"  which 
teaches  men  how  they  "  ought  to  pray,"  and  all  its  work 
is  to  be  "led  by  the  Spirit."  Evidently  the  works  and 
faith  and  prayers  are  now  in  the  spiritual  dominion  of  the 
King  eternal.  All  physical  divine  manifestations  typified 
and  represented  the  mental  and  spiritual.  Instead  of  phys- 
ical phenomena,  we  now  have  the  spiritual ;  instead  of 
miracles  upon  rocks  and  seas,  we  now  have  the  miracles 
of  grace;  instead  of  circumcision,  the  spiritual  birth. 
Answers  to  prayer  and  the  promise  of  faith  are  now  upon 
the  heart,  and  through  the  mind  upon  the  body.  "  The 
prayer  of  faith  saves  the  sick  "  by  its  marvelous  influence 
upon  the  mind  and  nerves,  which  is  frequently  more  effec- 
tive than  medicines.  That  this  is  the  nature  of  real  faith 
cures  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  the  best  authenticated 
cases  are  those  more  closely  connected  with  the  mind  and 
nerves,  while  new  eyes,  new  hands  and  feet,  and  resurrec- 
354 


A  SERMON 

tion  from  the  dead  are  not  even  pretended.  There  never 
was  a  time  when  the  power  of  faith  was  stronger  or  more 
effective  than  it  is  to-day.  Never  were  its  results  and  pos- 
sibilities greater  than  at  present,  nor  the  demand  for  its 
exercise  more  imperative.  Divine  power  over  material 
forces  has  been  sufficient  to  prove  the  presence  and  spirit- 
uality of  God  and  the  divine  authority  of  his  revelations. 
And  now  it  only  remains  for  believers  to  trust  in  him  and 
lead  the  world  to  surrender  to  his  spiritual  and  gracious 
dominion.  "  All  things  are  possible  to  him  that  be- 
lieveih." 


355 


Articles  from  Papers 

CHRIST'S  PRAYER  FOR  UNION 

"  That  they  all  may  be  one ;  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I 
in  thee,  that  they  also  may  he  one  in  us.*^ —  John  17  :  21. 

This  petition  could  not  have  referred  to  church  or  denom- 
inational union. 

1.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  the  only  conceivable  union  be- 
tween the  Father  and  the  Son  must  be  spiritual.  To 
affirm  a  physical,  ecclesiastical,  or  organic  union  in  the 
Godhead  is  absurd,  if  not  blasphemous. 

2.  Christian,  spiritual  union  is  experienced  where  or- 
ganizations are  not  the  same.  True  Christians  are  one 
in  spirit,  and  love  confined  to  associates  in  ecclesiastical 
organizations  is  not  Christian  love  ;  and  those  who  look 
for  union  only  in  such  organizations  fail  to  appreciate  the 
prayer  of  Christ  and  the  spirituality  of  his  Church. 

3.  Christ's  prayer  was  consistent,  according  to  the 
will  of  God,  for  God's  own  people,  offered  by  the  most 
worthy  suppliant  who  ever  prayed.  To  suppose  that  this 
petition  is  unanswered  respecting  the  millions  who  from 
different  churches  have  gone  to  heaven,  or  that  it  was  an- 
swered respecting  the  members  of  the  one  Roman  Catholic 
church  during  the  Dark  Ages,  is  inconsistent  with  the 
character  of  Christ,  the  doctrine  of  prayer,  and  the  prom- 
ises of  God. 

4.  The  greatest  degree  of  ecclesiastical  unity  has  pre- 
vailed under  the  Pope  of  Rome,  but  the  multiplied  denom- 

356 


ARTICLES  FROM  PAPERS 

inations  in  Christian  union  have  led  more  of  "the  world 
to  believe"  in  Christ  during  the  present  century  than 
ecclesiastical  unity  ever  effected  in  a  thousand  years  before. 
Christ's  prayer  is  heard  and  answered,  and  would  be  if 
sects  were  doubled.  Some  men  talk  about  visible  churches 
and  sects  with  seemingly  as  little  conception  of  the  spirit- 
uality of  Christ's  Kingdom  as  the  Jews  evinced  eighteen 
hundred  years  ago. 


REVIVALS. 

The  finite  forces  of  matter  and  mind  are  vibratory.  The 
air  that  moves  the  infant's  lungs  and  floats  the  snowflake 
away  soon  in  the  currents  of  a  cyclone  moves  fifty  miles 
an  hour  with  force  that  sweeps  fruits  and  fortunes,  houses 
and  occupants,  to  destruction.  The  gentle  shower  may 
increase  to  a  cloudburst  that  washes  the  mountain-side, 
and  the  smooth  river  with  unobserved  current  may  soon 
form  a  cataract  which  makes  the  mountain  tremble.  The 
slumbering  forces  of  the  earth  may  break  forth  in  the 
earthquake  or  volcano.  In  the  vegetable  kingdom  the 
growing  trees  grow  for  a  few  days  or  weeks,  and  then 
remain  stationary  for  months.  The  bodies  and  instincts 
of  men  and  animals  are  not  developed  by  regular,  invaria- 
ble processes,  but  with  much  more  rapid  growth  in  some 
months  than  others.  This  is  just  as  true  of  mental  as 
animal  development.  Students  and  apprentices  frequently 
improve  as  much  in  one  term  as  in  two  other  terms. 

Thus  by  analogy  and  the  universal  laws  of  nature  we 
are  taught  that  development  and  improvement  cannot  be 
expected  by  continuous  unchanging  progress,  but  by 
special  waves  of  force,  human  or  divine,  in  individuals  or 
society. 

The  history  of  religion  furnishes  no  exception  to  this 
general   rule.     Buddhism,   Confucianism,   Mohammedan- 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

ism,  and  Roman  Catholicism,  in  spite  of  their  high  pro- 
fessions of  uniformity  and  infallibility,  have  developed 
many  changes  in  the  degrees  of  their  success.  They  all 
had  revivals. 

And  so  it  was  with  the  Jews.  That  was  a  grand 
revival  of  Abrahamic  faith  under  the  labors  of  Moses  and 
Aaron.  And  the  revival  in  the  days  of  Ezra  and  Nehe- 
miah  is  worthy  of  special  note  in  this  connection.  John 
the  Baptist  as  a  successful  preacher  of  repentance  and 
faith  will  be  a  good  example  in  all  revivals  in  all  evangel- 
istic labors  to  the  end  of  time. 

But  Jesus  himself  was  the  greatest  and  most  wonder- 
ful and  exciting  revivalist  ever  seen  upon  earth.  When 
we  consider  that  he  had  at  one  time  five  thousand  men, 
beside  women  and  children,  a  hundred  miles  from  Jeru- 
salem, the  only  large  city  in  Palestine,  without  civil  au- 
thority, royal  display,  or  other  worldly  advantages,  with 
nothing  to  attract  but  the  plain  truth  of  man's  depravity 
and  God's  offer  of  mercy  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  we 
must  conclude  that  there  must  have  been  tremendous  ex- 
citement to  draw  ten  thousand  people  such  distances,  over 
such  roads,  and  hold  them  there  until  evening.  Mod- 
ern revivals,  with  all  the  attractions  of  the  music, 
art,  and  eloquence  of  advanced  civilization,  produce  no 
equal  excitement.  But  he  "  continued  all  night  in 
prayer,"  and  "wept  over  "the  wicked  city,  in  the  real 
revival  spirit. 

And  the  Apostles  entered  into  that  same  spirit  at  Pente- 
cost after  the  ten  days'  prayer  meeting.  And  the  book  of 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  is  mainly  the  history  of  "times 
of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord." 

But  the  absolute  necessity  of  seasons  of  special  revival 

is  not  only  vindicated  by  analogy  and  the  laws  of  nature, 

the  experiences  of  the  world,   the  history  of  Israel,  the 

experience  and  practice  of  Christ  and  the  Apostles,  but  the 

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nature  of  things  and  circumstances  proves  the  indispensa- 
ble necessity  of  such  works  and  experiences  at  the  present 
time. 

1.  Religious  and  moral  errors  are  very  numerous,  and 
they  are  seldom  removed  by  logic  and  philosophy.  Com- 
bined heart  forces  and  divine  influence  are  more  effectual. 

2.  There  never  was  a  time  when  art,  appetites,  false 
reasoning,  habits,  pride,  and  the  fear  of  the  world  pro- 
duced so  many  excuses,  apologies,  false  arguments,  false 
garbs  for  sin  as  at  the  present  day.  A  public  revival  that 
affects  public  sentiment  affects  these  difficulties. 

3.  Every  one  by  his  nature  and  environment  Is  carried 
by  strong  currents  in  the  "  broad  road  "  of  the  world  that 
leadeth  to  destruction.  Thus  habits  are  fixed  which  can 
only  be  broken  by  vigorous  effort  and  excitement. 

4.  This  is  a  busy  world,  in  which  the  people  not  only 
ask,  '*  What  shall  we  eat,  what  shall  we  drink,  and  where- 
withal shall  we  be  clothed,''"  but,  '*  How  shall  we  get 
money,  and  how  shall  we  make  it  more  productive?" 
How  can  it  be  expected  that  these  strong  habits  of  thought 
and  feeling  will  be  changed,  and  worldliness  and  wicked- 
ness be  abandoned  for  God  and  heaven,  without  some 
special  impulses,  human  and  divine?  The  Spirit  is  prom- 
ised to  "  reprove  the  world  "  for  this  very  purpose. 

5.  A  very  large  proportion  of  the  world  will  never  move 
in  public  enterprises,  politics,  or  religion,  until  moved  upon 
by  the  public.  And  very  few  persons  remain  unmoved 
when  the  public  is  moved.  One  man  may  do  his  own 
work,  but  he  cannot  alone  man  a  war-ship,  or  even  pull  it 
into  the  dock  for  repairs.  This  is  the  greatest  cause  of 
failure  in  revival  work — too  much  expected  of  one  man. 

It  sometimes  takes  the  vote  of  a  whole  State  to  induce 
one  man  to  vote.  It  often  requires  a  whole  church  to  pro- 
duce a  public  sentiment  suftkient  to  influence  one  into  the 
way  of  life. 

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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

SUBSTITUTIONAL  ATONEMENT 
Every  leaf  and  flower,  every  nerve  and  muscle  in  all 
organic  matter,  is  provided  with  remedial  force  for  the 
relief  of  disease  and  the  prevention  of  death.  All  disease 
is  not  remedied,  nor  is  death  avoided,  but  the  universality 
of  remedy  in  nature  indicates  the  divine  plan,  and  the 
probability  of  remedy  for  moral  evil.  These  natural  pro- 
visions for  relief  and  safety  are  largely  substitutional,  and 
so  it  is  in  the  moral  government  of  God.  If  a  hand  or 
eye  is  injured,  other  muscles  or  senses  are  quickened  for 
extra  service.  If  individuals  of  families  or  civil  society 
fail,  others  must  bear  the  extra  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the 
laws  of  nature  and  "  of  Christ."  The  existence  of  society 
without  this  provision  is  inconceivable. 

Substitutional  service  and  sacrifice  are  required  in  all 
relations  of  life.  It  was  indicated  in  the  divine  voice  to 
the  tempter  in  Eden,  and  more  fully  stated  respecting  the 
offering  of  Abel ;  not  forgotten  by  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
Jacob,  and  the  Israelites.  By  revelation  Moses  gave  spe- 
cific instruction  respecting  atonement  and  sacrifices.  Lev. 
5:16;  Exod.  32  :  30 ;  Num.  6:11..  In  all  the  offerings  and 
sacrifices  of  the  Jews  two  objects  were  evidently  in  view  : 
(i)  Such  obedience  to  divine  law  as  to  secure  the  favor  of 
God.  (2)  The  continued  presentation  of  the  promised 
Messiah.  Failure  in  this  regard  was  counted  robbery  of 
God.  Mai.  3:8.  In  the  promises  to  the  patriarchs— the 
prophecies  of  Moses,  David,  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Malachi, 
and  others — and  in  the  preaching  of  John  the  Baptist, 
Christ  is  brought  forth  as  the  great  offering.  The  preach- 
ing of  Christ  and  the  Apostles  recognized  the  divinity  of 
Christ  and  the  manhood  of  Christ,  and  the  worship  and 
honor  rendered  to  him  and  the  demands  for  general  belief 
occupied  so  much  attention  that  the  personal  character  and 
work  of  the  atonement  was  not  generally  made  prominent 
in  their  preaching.  The  military  spirit  of  the  age  led  to 
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the  recognition  of  the  "  rights  of  conquest"  as  a  ground 
of  governmental  claims  to  authority,  so  that  many  sup- 
posed the  conquest  of  Satan  in  Eden  gave  him  a  claim  to 
the  proprietorship  and  governorship  of  the  first  parents 
and  their  posterity.  This  theory  with  modifications  con- 
tinued for  a  long  time,  especially  with  the  Ebionites,  who 
were  of  Jewish  origin  and  denied  the  divinity  of  Christ. 
The  Gnostics  with  assumed  superiority  of  knowledge  and 
philosophy  virtually  denied  the  humanity  of  Christ. 
And  so  between  these  extremes  the  nominal  Christian 
Church  was  agitated  until  Anselm  in  the  tenth  century 
made  a  statement  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ  and  the  atone- 
ment generally  satisfactory  to  evangelical  Christians. 

It  is  now  generally  believed  that  the  Creator  is  the  pro- 
prietor and  universal  Ruler  of  the  universe— that  he  has 
established  such  physical  laws  as  best  to  represent  the 
attributes  and  character  of  the  Creator  and  to  promote 
the  happiness  of  universal  being.  That  as  a  moral  gov- 
ernor he  has  published  such  laws  and  penalties  as  required 
by  the  nature  and  relations  of  mankind.  But  the  revela- 
tions of  God's  works  and  word  prove  that  voluntary  sub- 
stitutional penalties  may  be  accepted  when  the  principles 
of  justice  and  benevolence  are  recognized  and  motives 
against  vice  and  for  virtue  made  as  effective  as  personal 
penalties.  And  so  "  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him 
should  not  perish  but  have  everlasting  life,"  and  the  Son 
voluntarily  gave  his  life  for  that  purpose.  Matt.  20  :  28 ; 
Isa.  35  :  10 ;  John  i  :  29  ;  3  :  16 ;  6 :  54  ;  Rom.  3  :  25  ;  5  : 
91  ;  Pet.  3  :  18.  Every  family,  church,  and  state  is  based 
upon  this  law  of  substitution.  And  society  is  inconceiv- 
able, and  benevolence  impossible,  without  the  law  of 
bearing  one  another's  burdens.  This  is  the  law  of  Christ. 
Gal.  6  :  2.  And  so  the  innocent  suffers  for  the  guilty. 
3G1 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

Moral  evil  is  the  greatest  evil  in  the  universe,  and  moral 
rectitude  (the  right  state  of  mind  towards  God  and  man) 
the  greatest  good  in  the  universe.  Penalty  is  for  prevent- 
ing one  and  promoting  the  other,  and  if  a  substitute  en- 
dures the  penalty  with  benevolent  purpose  he  thus  secures 
the  highest  happiness  possible.  All  penalty  must  be  evil 
to  the  sufferer  or  it  is  not  penalty,  but  it  need  not  be  equal 
to  the  desert  of  the  criminal.  If  so,  it  would  not  diminish 
suffering  as  a  whole.  But  if  the  character  and  relations 
of  the  substitute  are  as  effective  against  sin  and  for  justice 
as  the  penalty  would  have  been,  law  and  justice  are  satis- 
fied and  the  criminal  is  pardoned. 

Such  is  the  relation  of  Christ  and  his  sufferings  to  man 
and  his  redemption.  But  such  could  not  be  the  case  if  the 
object  was  only  to  show  God's  hatred  of  sin— and  he  died 
as  an  example  for  that  purpose— or  if  he  died  regardless  of 
law  and  public  justice  simply  as  a  moral  influence.  What 
would  a  human  government  be  that  should  enact  laws  and 
penalties,  and  then  say  that  any  transgressor  might  es- 
cape the  penalty  by  reform  and  petition,  or  without  either? 
But  Christ  died  for  sinners,  and  that  upon  condition  of 
repentance  (the  right  state  of  mind  respecting  sin)  and 
faith  (the  right  state  of  mind  towards  God)  they  shall  be 
pardoned.  This  is  God's  plan  of  salvation,  "  For  there  is 
none  other  name  under  heaven  given  among  men  whereby 
we  must  be  saved  "  (Acts  4:  12). 

COMMON  SENSE  AND  RELIGION 
Common  sense  sometimes  means  common  conscious- 
ness, or  the  sum  total  of  man's  intelligence;  and  some- 
times just  enough  of  human  intelligence  to  distinguish  him 
from  the  lower  animals.  But  more  generally  and  in  this 
paper  it  means  the  intuitive  action  of  the  mind  towards  a 
reasonable  end,  without  the  process  of  reasoning.  It  in- 
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eludes  the  common  action  of  the  "  five  senses,"  the  intui- 
tions respecting  original  suggestions  and  all  the  necessary 
truths  implied  in  reasoning  and  logical  or  practical  propo- 
sitions;  in  which  all  honest  men  with  equal  intelligence 
and  advantages  of  environment  will  commonly  agree. 

Common  sense  teaches  and  proves  the  existence  of  a 
God. 

I.  There  are  certain  original  suggestions,  or  elementary 
thoughts,  never  proved  or  denied,  but  early  and  always  in 
the  field  of  consciousness,  and  necessary  in  all  friental 
activity.  The  infant  sees  the  light,  then  the  mother,  thus 
indicating  the  original  suggestion  of  entity,  or  being.  It 
soon  reaches  for  the  picture  or  its  mother,  and  thus  shows 
the  idea  of  space,  the  where.  But  in  that  reaching  there 
must  be  idea  or  notion  of  power,  the  most  tangible  and 
universal  idea  in  the  universe.  Immediately  that  child 
observes  the  difference  between  the  time  of  asking  and 
receiving,  and  thus  arises  the  fourth  original  suggestion, 
duration.-  And  this  as  a  simple  idea  may  be  applied  to 
eternity  or  an  hour.  Any  limitation  or  qualification  of 
duration  makes  it  a  compound  idea.  And  so  of  any  ele- 
ment of  thought  or  thing.  No  one  can  in  thought  or  feel- 
ing pass  these  four  elements  of  thought  without  coming  to 
the  principle  of  causality.  Not  by  finding  an  effect  of 
which  the  mind  necessarily  affirms  a  cause,  for  the  idea  of 
cause  must  be  there  before  we  speak  of  cause  and  effect. 
Cause  is  therefore  considered  elementary.  The  individual 
has  found  himself  and  his  mother,  and  thus  the  original 
suggestion  of  being  or  existence,  the  notion  of  space  that 
is  between  himself  and  others,  the  idea  of  power  in  efforts 
for  objects  of  desire,  and  simple  duration  in  succession  of 
events  and  cause  in  effects  always.  These  are  included 
in,  if  not  the  whole  of,  the  natural  attributes  of  God,  and 
as  they  are  original  in  human  nature  may  be  considered 
the  facts  or  attributes  of  the  Creator,  fixed  by  himself  in 
3G3 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

the  mind  of  man  indelibly,  so  that  the  normal  activities  of 
mind  and  men  shall  reveal  God  in  every  place  and  period 
of  the  universe. 

There  are  other  ideas  which,  if  not  as  simple  and  phil- 
osophical, are  of  equal  importance.  All  moral  law  is  the 
claim  of  one  or  more  to  whom  an  obligation  is  due  upon 
those  owing  the  obligation,  and  therefore  must  always  be 
according  to  the  nature  and  relations  of  the  subjects. 
Anything  less  or  more  is  not  just,  and  therefore  not  bind- 
ing. All  law  must  be  a  revelation  from  the  party  to  whom 
the  obligation  is  due.  "  Where  no  law  is,  there  is  no  trans- 
gression." Revelation  of  laws  may  be  general  or  specific, 
to  individuals  or  society.  Laws  may  be  revealed  by 
works  or  words.  God's  laws  to  men  are  revealed  in  na- 
ture, providence,  and  grace,  and  in  his  Word. 

2.  Common  sense  approves  of  common  and  special 
testimony.  The  character,  ability,  and  numbers  of  be- 
lievers in  the  existence  of  an  intelligent,  independent  God 
is  another  evidence  of  the  truth  of  that  belief.  A  large 
portion  and  proportion  of  the  human  race  have  believed  in 
a  divine  existence.  Even  polytheists  while  worshiping 
many  gods  have  believed  in  the  supreme  agency  and 
divinity  of  a  ruling  force,  and  generally  in  a  central, 
supreme  Author  and  Ruler-  over  all,  and  considered  the 
others  as  inferior  deities.  This  will  include  the  best  class 
of  pagans  and  deists.  Probably  more  than  ninety-nine 
hundredths  of  the  most  civilized,  best  educated,  and 
benevolent  of  our  race  have  believed  in  one  God,  and  as  a 
rule  they  are  the  best  able  to  testify  upon  this  subject. 

3.  The  general  utility  of  this  belief  is  an  argument  in 
its  favor.  The  Greek  philosophers  considered  it  of  great 
importance  in  civil  government,  without  which  it  was  said 
an  efficient  government  could  not  be  maintained.  The 
usual  form  and  practice  of  oaths  in  evidence  and  among 

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civil  officers,  whatever  may  be  thought  of  their  necessity 
or  propriety,  indicates  the  permanency  of  the  belief  in  the 
utility  of  religious  beliefs  and  practices. 

But  in  the  social  experience  of  the  world  the  utility  of 
theism  is  best  seen.  It  is  under  the  influence  of  that 
belief  that  the  family  relation  has  been  established  and 
perpetuated,  and  most  of  the  enjoyments  of  life  are  made 
possible.  Public  conscience,  so  indispensable  in  commer- 
cial and  business  relations,  depends  largely  upon  public 
convictions  respecting  God  ;  and  when  he  is  set  aside  gov- 
ernments fail  and  anarchy  prevails. 

Institutions  of  learning  have  been  established  and  main- 
tained only  where  men  have  believed  in  a  God  and  wor- 
shiped him  in  some  way.  Poetry  and  books  have  been 
successfully  published  under  that  influence,  and  nowhere 
else.  The  great  English  statesman  expressed  a  willing- 
ness to  consider  favorably  the  claims  of  infidelity  when 
it  could  show  its  schools  and  benevolent  institutions, 
which  are  now  found  only  in  Christian  countries.  This 
world  is  full  of  sin  and  sorrow.  Most  of  the  criminals  are 
godless  in  belief  and  character,  but  most  of  the  institu- 
tions for  reforming  the  wicked  and  relieving  the  suffering 
are  built  and  upheld  by  faith  in  God.  Whoever  heard  of 
a  free  thinkers'  free  school,  a  Voltaire  hospital,  or  an  In- 
gersoll  rescue  mission .'' 

But  personal  experiences  may  be  multiplied  until  they 
assume  vast  proportions.  Millions  of  Christians  die  every 
year  in  hope  and  peace.  Probably  many  unbelievers  die 
without  fear,  like  the  animals,  but  never  with  hope  and 
peace.  Even  if  belief  in  God  were  a  fiction  and  the  Chris- 
tian's hope  a  dream,  the  peace  of  the  dying  is  a  great  com- 
fort, and  the  hope  of  their  friends  of  inestimable  worth, 
such  as  an  unbeliever  in  God  can  never  know.  Belief  in 
God  furnishes  more  happiness  to  the  sick  and  dying  and 
365 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

their  friends  every  year  tlian  a  thousand  millions  of  golden 
dollars  could  possibly  impart.  The  utility  of  this  doctrine 
is  a  sound  proof  in  its  favor. 

4.  The  argument  of  Paley  and  others,  based  upon  the 
statement  that  the  exhibition  of  intelligent  design  proves 
the  existence  of  a  designer,  has  never  been  refuted,  but  is 
too  well  known  to  demand  a  repetition.  The  force  of  this 
argument  depends  upon  the  number  of  adaptations,  as  in 
the  thousands  of  cells  and  fibers  of  the  biceps  muscle, 
which  produces  a  single  motion  of  the  forearm,  and  the 
thousands  of  works  designed  by  that  single  action.  There 
are  hundreds  of  thousands  of  cells  and  fibers  or  parts  of 
the  human  body,  not  one  of  which  is  useless  or  without 
design.  And  the  relations  of  parts  and  forces  of  the 
body  reveal  more  of  skill  and  intelligence  than  the  steam 
engine  or  a  silk  factory.  No  wonder  that  with  few  excep- 
tions men  have  everywhere  and  always  believed  that  the 
world  was  the  work  of  a  God. 

There  are  four  great  facts  revealed  respecting  the  char- 
acter of  God,  the  consideration  of  which  necessarily  in- 
cludes the  subject  of  moral  character,  and  therefore  are 
known  as  his  moral  attributes. 

Wisdom  is  defined  as  the  choice  of  the  best  ends,  and 
the  selection  of  the  best  means  for  their  attainment.  That 
God  is  wise  in  the  true  sense  is  clearly  revealed  in  the 
existence  and  government  of  the  universe,  in  which  the 
happiness  of  universal  being  is  evidently  the  great  end 
proposed,  and  the  innumerable  sources  of  divine,  angelic, 
human,  and  animal  pleasures  are  proofs  unlimited.  That 
his  holiness— love  of  truth  and  right— is  beyond  all  finite 
appreciation  is  evident  from  the  facts  of  his  government 
and  repetitions  of  his  highest  worshipers,  *'  Holy,  holy, 
holy.  Lord  God  Almighty!" 

The  goodness  of  God  equals  his  wisdom  and  holiness, 
whether  contemplated  in  his  personal  rectitude  of  charac- 
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ter  or  benevolence  of  action.  "  Every  good  and  perfect 
gift  Cometh  down  from  the  Father,"  and,  although  not  ap- 
preciated or  even  recognized,  yet  every  minute  of  time, 
particle  of  food,  comfort  of  life,  and  hope  for  the  future 
are  indications  of  the  infinite  goodness  revealed  in  the 
"  unspeakable  gift  "  of  his  Son  for  man's  redemption. 

But  we  must  not  insult  common  sense  by  omitting  her 
testimony  respecting  the  justice  of  God.  Justice  is  not 
simply  love,  and  yet  there  can  be  no  true  love  without 
justice.  As  a  personal  trait  it  is  implied  in  the  considera- 
tion of  other  moral  attributes.  So  every  moral  attribute  is 
implied  or  assumed  in  every  other,  and  yet  they  are  not 
exactly  alike. 

Mythological  philosophy  brought  out  the  goddess  of 
justice,  with  her  robes  of  dignity,  stern  face,  and  sharp 
eye,  with  the  even-balanced  scales  in  her  hand.  Her 
march  is  not  ended  nor  her  decisions  entirely  ignored,  nor 
is  the  justice  of  God  lost  in  his  fatherhood.  He  is  still 
upon  his  throne,  executing  justice  upon  individuals  and 
nations  the  same  as  ever. 

"  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  forever  and  ever  ;  a  scepter  of 
righteousness  is  the  scepter  of  thy  kingdom." 


PREACHING   THE   GOSPEL 

Who  should  preach  tlie  gospel  ?  Those  who  are  called  of 
God.  The  will  of  God  is  seen  in  the  natural  ability  and 
gifts.  No  man  is  required  to  see  without  eyes,  hear  with- 
out ears,  or  preach  the  gospel  without  the  necessary  ability. 
But  as  a  man  is  dependent  on  mirrors  to  see  his  own  eyes, 
and  upon  scales  to  learn  his  own  weight,  so  he  must  learn 
his  ability  by  external  circumstances  and  the  judgment  of 
others.  The  voice  of  the  people  wMth  whom  he  is  associ- 
ated is  generally  the  voice  of  God  respecting  a  man's  call 
to  the  ministry. 

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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

There  may  be  also  a  providential  call.  A  drowning  man 
or  a  burning  house  may  be  a  plain  call  to  specific  duty  ;  so 
a  sinking  church  or  the  spiritual  destitution  of  a  district 
may  be  a  Divine  call  to  one  like  Jonah  to  go  forth  and  do 
the  preaching  demanded. 

The  general  commission  has  gone  forth  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,  and  the  accompanying  influence 
of  the  Spirit  is  promised  to  lead  into  all  truth.  And  what 
path  of  truth  and  duty  can  be  more  important  than  the 
proclamation  of  salvation  for  sinners  ?  The  nature  of  the 
work,  the  promised  Divine  presence,  the  general  convic- 
tion of  the  most  devoted  Christians  of  all  times  and  places, 
and  the  actual  experience  of  the  most  successful  preachers, 
justify  the  belief  in  a  spiritual  call  to  the  Christian  minis- 
try. It  does  not  mean  a  self-reliant  confidence  in  ability, 
nor  miraculous  dreams  or  visions. 

But  although  we  know  not  how  mind  influences  the 
nerves  and  muscles  of  our  bodies  or  the  mind  and  feelings 
of  others,  we  know  that  such  influences  are  positive  facts. 
So  while  we  know  not  the  methods  of  the  divine  Spirit, 
yet  we  know  that,  agreeable  to  divine  promise,  he  leads  into 
truth  and  duty,  and  persons  are  impressed  in  such  a  way 
and  to  such  a  degree  that  the  conviction  of  duty  becomes 
clear,  and  one  finds  no  rest  but  in  yielding  to  the  convic- 
tion. Thus  Christians  are  impressed  to  labor  in  Sabbath 
schools  or  as  missionaries,  and  thus  the  true  ministers  of 
Christ  are  called  to  preach  the  gospel. 

This  call  may  not  always  be  understood,  and  mis- 
takes may  be  made  in  this  as  in  other  spiritual  impressions. 
But  we  are  to  "  try  the  spirits  "  by  the  voice  of  God,  and 
then  take  that  course  that  is  least  doubtful.  "  He  that 
doubteth  is  damned  if  he  eat."  That  is,  to  take  the  most 
doubtful  course  is  always  criminal.  Many  persons  go  into 
other  callings  without  even  a  question  of  the  Divine  mind, 
but  refuse  the  ministry  because  they  do  not  know  it  to  be 
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their  duty.  They  never  can  know  by  mathematical  cer- 
tainty, as  they  know  a  whole  is  greater  than  its  parts,  or 
that  the  sides  of  a  square  are  equal.  No  duty  is  thus 
known.  The  strongest  probability,  the  least  doubtful 
course,  is  the  rule  of  life  in  religious  work  as  in  all  other 
work. 

THE  SUCCESSFUL  PASTOR 
(t/^n  Ocean  Tark  Lecture.) 

Each  human  being  by  his  natural  peculiarities  is  called 
by  the  God  of  nature  to  his  appropriate  profession  or  call- 
ing. And  the  voice  of  the  people  and  other  circumstances 
furnish  a  providential  call. 

Being  thus  made  a  minister  by  creation,  providence,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  he  is  sent  to  the  world  with  the  message 
of  mercy,  responsible  ultimately  only  to  God,  and  bound 
to  do  the  work  assigned  as  best  he  can,  whether  men  will 
bear  or  forbear,  whether  he  is  paid  or  persecuted.  Pastors 
are  ministers  appointed,  called,  or  elected  to  particular 
churches  or  assemblies  of  believers  to  co-operate  with 
them  in  the  great  work  of  evangelization.  Natural  ability, 
education,  piety,  and  spirituality  are  necessary  conditions 
of  success  in  this  office;  but,  assuming  the  importance  of 
these  qualifications,  let  us  select  for  our  present  purpose 
four  conditions  of  success  in  the  pastoral  work. 

I.  The  assumption  of  a  right  position  respecting  the 
work  and  relations  of  a  pastor. 

A  pastor  is  not  a  civil  officer  nor  ecclesiastical  governor. 
He  is  not  called  simply  to  teach  or  to  amuse  or  entertain 
the  public.  He  is  not  a  hireling.  The  worth  of  his  labors 
can  no  more  be  measured  by  money  than  music  with  scales. 
The  pastor  is  an  elected  officer  and  not  a  hired  man.  The 
man  who  learns  how  to  prepare  and  deliver  public  orations 
and  then  hires  out  to  preach  sermons  approaches  about  as 
near  to  a  real  pastor  as  the  mechanic  who  polishes  an 
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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

organ  does  to  a  musician,  or  a  hired  courier  to  a  general,  or 
a  hired  man  to  the  real  father.  The  church  organization 
is  not  complete  without  a  pastor  as  well  as  deacons,  and 
when  elected  he  is  to  be  considered  a  part  of  the  church 
and  not  "a  party  of  the  second  part "  in  a  contract.  Hired 
men  have  been  useful  in  caring  for  families  and  churches, 
and  yet  for  real  and  ultimate  prosperity  of  the  family  or 
church,  there  is  generally  something  more  needed,  a  real, 
living  entity. 

2.  Intensity  of  conviction  is  another  indispensable  con- 
dition of  pastoral  success.  Truth  may  be  received  and 
employed  for  literary  purposes,  to  fill  out  a  plot,  for 
speculative  purposes,  for  opinion's  sake,  for  didactic 
purposes  in  mere  instruction.  It  may  be  received  and 
delivered  with  doubt  as  a  kind  of  choice  between  prob- 
abilities, as  mere  opinions,  or  with  ail  the  confidence  of 
moral  certainty,  as  statement  of  reality.  Only  by  such 
positive  convictions,  as  influential  upon  the  speaker  as 
demonstration  itself,  can  pulpit  labors  be  successful. 

A  pastor  must  not  only  have  unwavering  convictions  of 
the  trath  spoken,  but  deep  convictions  of  its  importance. 
Some  truths  are  more  important  than  others,  and  that 
pastor  who  talks  and  preaches  of  God  and  heaven,  of 
Christ  and  salvation,  of  sin  and  damnation,  with  as  little 
earnestness  as  is  shown  by  common  traders  and  secular 
teachers,  can  hardly  expect  success.  Emotion  is  not  piety, 
nor  proof  of  piety,  but  every  man  ought  to  be  moved  in 
feelings,  expressions,  and  actions,  according  to  the  impor- 
tance of  the  subject  in  hand,  and  a  minister  who  exhibits 
less  earnestness  In  the  eternal  realities  and  truths  of  the 
gospel  than  other  subjects,  can  scarcely  expect  to  convince 
others.  A  celebrated  actor  is  reported  as  saying  to  a 
clergyman,  **  We  speak  fiction  as  if  it  was  truth ;  you 
preach  truth  as  if  it  was  fiction  ;  therefore  theatres  are 
filled  and  churches  are  empty." 
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But  there  must  be  intense  convictions  respecting  duty  as 
well  as  truth.  Not  a  mere  professional  choice,  or  even  a 
hope  to  be  happy  and  useful,  nor,  upon  the  other  hand,  a 
struggle  against  duty,  but  a  deep,  settled  conviction  of 
duty  to  God  and  man— the  feeling  that  ''woe  is  me  if 
I  preach  not  the  gospel,"  enforced  by  the  law  of  God,  the 
example  of  Christ,  and  all  the  claims  of  a  ruined  world. 
This  feeling  of  obligation  pressing  stronger  than  love  of 
happiness  or  fame,  stronger  than  love  of  friends  or  life,  is 
the  secret  of  apostolic  success,  and  must  be  the  most 
potent  force  in  every  successful  pastor's  life. 

3.  And  this  will  lead  to  self-abnegation  and  self-denial. 
An  author  writes  successfully  only  while  absorbed  in  his 
subject  and  forgetful  of  himself.  A  general  in  true  patri- 
otic service  is  not  studying  upon  salary  and  fame.  In 
every  work  and  calling,  success  depends  on  concentration 
of  attention  and  force.  Especially  is  this  true  of  pastoral 
work,  which  has  in  view  objects  infinitely  more  important 
than  any  earthly  good.  Who  has  not  seen  ministers 
withered  and  shriveled,  dejected  and  rejected,  because  of 
special  care  for  themselves  in  reference  to  reputation  ("  in- 
fluence," they  term  it),  support,  etc.?  And  whoever  saw  a 
successful  pastor  who  was  not  self-denying?  A  sensation- 
alist may  seem  to  succeed  for  a  time  with  selfish  ends,  a 
minister  may  succeed  in  pleasing  the  people  and  hiring  out 
to  preach  sermons ;  real  pastoral  success  we  have  never 
seen  without  self-denial  and  sacrifice.  So  Christ  and  the 
apostles  worked,  and  the  same  spirit  must  be  in  the  labor- 
ers of  all  ages.  This  spirit  is  scarcely  less  important  or 
less  difficult  to  maintain  in  the  midst  of  worldly  promises 
of  self-satisfaction  than  under  the  threatening  of  persecu- 
tion, torture,  and  death.     (Mark  10:  29,  30.) 

4.  But,  in  addition  to  all  other  conditions  of  success, 
confidence  and  hopefulness  are  indispensable.  A  noted 
evangelist  has  said  that  God  will  not  use  a  discouraged 

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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

man.  What  cowardly  general  ever  gained  a  victory? 
What  weakling  in  the  ministry  who  with  weekly  and 
weakly  complaining  of  his  own  inability,  the  coldness  of 
the  church,  and  opposition  of  the  world  loads  himself  and 
others  with  discouragements,  ever  fed  the  Church  of  God 
or  converted  sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways? 
Cheerful  hopefulness  and  godly  courage  are  the  special 
wants  of  our  churches  and  ministry.  Cowards  were 
worse  than  useless  in  the  days  of  Gideon,  and  cowardly 
pastors  are  worse  than  none,  discouraging,  perhaps,  some 
women  who  might  otherwise  repeat  the  story  of  the  risen 
Christ.  There  can  be  no  truths  and  motives  so  powerful 
as  those  of  the  Gospel,  nor  promises  that  will  compare 
with  the  promises  of  God,  nor  help  for  any  work  like  the 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  With  these  divine  encour- 
agements, enough  to  make  soldiers  of  children  and  victors 
of  the  weakest,  we  have  the  history  and  experience  of  the 
Church,  which  in  spite  of  the  numbers  and  strength  of  its 
enemies,  and  the  weakness  of  its  friends,  has  advanced 
from  victory  to  victory,  showing  thousands  of  instances 
of  marvelous  successes  under  great  difficulties.  These 
are  prophecies  of  future  triumph,  encouragements  to  every 
faithful  worker,  and  a  reproof  to  every  hopeless  pastor. 

Let  pastors,  then,  assume  the  right  position  in  the  field, 
engage  in  the  work  with  earnestness,  self-denial,  and  hope- 
fulness, and  they  may  expect  success.  "  The  word  of  the 
Lord  endureth  forever,"  and  "  all  the  promises  of  God  in 
him  are  yea,  and  in  him  are  amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God 
by  us." 

WHERE  SHALL  I  GO  TO  SCHOOL  ? 
"  Where  I  can  secure  the  largest  opportunities,  of  course. 
I  cannot  afford  to  waste  my  time  in  second-class  institu- 
tions any  more  than  the  Chinaman  could  afford  to  get  a 
No.  6  boot  to  fit  his  own  foot  when  he  could  get  a  No.  12 
372 


ARTICLES  FROM  PAPERS 

which  would  make  more  show  and  secure  notoriety. 
What  if  the  large  telescope  cannot  be  used  by  seven  in  a 
thousand  students,  nor  the  old  manuscripts  be  studied  at 
all  by  those  giving  their  time  to  college  studies,  still  the 
honor  of  going  to  a  university  or  a  great  college  is  an 
object,  and  these  large  faculties  and  large  salaries  show 
their  greatness.  Is  not  wealth  always  the  sign  of  great- 
ness, and  large  salaries  proof  of  ability?  To  be  sure, 
Henry  Clay,  Daniel  Webster,  Henry  Wilson,  and  some 
such  men  died  poor.  But  great  scholars  can  get  money, 
and  as  no  other  motive  is  possible,  teachers  with  large 
salaries  must  be  great  men,  and  vice  versa.''^ 

But,  my  friend,  schools  are  not  reflectors  to  be  esti- 
mated by  the  extent  and  brilliancy  of  their  surface,  nor 
tunnels  through  which  to  pour  knowledge  into  empty 
heads,  not  millinery  or  tailor  shops  for  furnishing  personal 
ornaments,  nor  echo  halls  to  re-echo  technical  terms  and 
fulsome  praises,  not  marble  shops  for  Inscribing  names 
and  titles,  nor  literary  tables  for  supplying  delicacies  and 
luxuries  of  taste  ;  but  they  are  mainly  for  the  development 
of  mind  and  character.  They  are  to  make  men,  and  to 
make  men  useful  and  successful  parts  of  society.  The 
adaptation  of  the  school  to  the  student,  and  to  the  student 
in  his  relations  to  circumstances  and  society,  is  a  question 
of  much  greater  importance  than  the  magnitude  of  the 
institution,  or  even  the  facilities  for  imparting  theoretical 
knowledge.  Learning,  like  water,  in  itself  is  always 
pure,  but  its  mixtures,  compounds,  and  reservoirs  may 
render  it  a  deadly  poison.  The  moral  atmosphere,  false 
philosophy,  and  social  surroundings  may  stupefy  the 
conscience  and  sensibilities,  and  lead  to  associations  and 
habits  worse  than  ignorance  itself. 

But  another  consideration  of  no  small  account  is  the 
probability  of  usefulness.  A  student  has  no  right  to 
stultify  himself  and  ignore  responsibility  while  in  school, 
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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

and  the  habits  formed  in  doing  so  will  prove  a  serious 
injury  through  life.  Student  life  may  be  very  useful,  and 
not  one  half  the  pastors  are  as  useful  as  some  students. 
With  most  men  this  is  impossible,  excepting  in  institutions 
for  which  there  is  a  special  affinity.  Let  every  student 
make  this  matter  one  of  special  inquiry— 'Mive  each  day 
as  though  it  was  the  last." 

"Where  shall  I  go  to  school?"  (i)  Where  there  is 
a  strong  religious  influence.  I  need  this  for  my  personal 
safety  and  spiritual  improvement,  and  for  help  in  securing 
qualifications  for  usefulness.  (2)  Where  I  can  harmonize 
with  the  doctrines,  and  the  spirit  and  modes  of  worship, 
thus  avoiding  jealousy,  unpleasant  feelings,  and  contro- 
versy. (3)  Where  1  probably  can  be  of  service  in  moral  and 
Christian  work.  (4)  Where  the  probabilities  of  conver- 
sion are  increased.  (5)  Where,  at  least  by  my  presence,  I 
can  help  an  institution  for  which  my  friends  and  church 
are  more  or  less  responsible .  (6)  Where  there  is  not  too 
much  conservatism,  nor  too  much  radicalism,  but  where 
the  spirit  of  energy  and  enterprise  accords  with  the  spirit 
of  the  age  and  of  the  field  where  I  shall  probably 
live  and  labor.  (7)  Where,  with  these  considerations,  I 
can  expect  sufficient  help  to  make  a  man  of  myself,  with 
independence,  education,  and  piety  combined. 

Jtil^'  23,  1SS5. 


BRIEF  QUOTATIONS. 

**  Church  and  denominational  worth  and  beauty  do  not 
consist  in  numbers,  wealth,  or  external  appearances.  The 
real  worth  and  beauty  of  the  church  consists  in  its  doc- 
trines, spirit,  and  practice.  It  was  not  lack  of  numbers 
but  longing  for  the  '  leeks  and  onions,'  and  lack  of  faith 
and  courage,  that  kept  the  Israelites  upon  the  deserts  forty 
years.  The  same  causes  will  keep  any  church  in  the 
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desert.  Jesus  did  not  glory  in  numbers  or  temporalities, 
but,  without  either  wealth  or  the  smiles  of  the  great, 
preached  to  the  poor,  the  common  people.  Let  us  not 
glory  in  men,  nor  ask  the  world's  smiles  upon  external 
beauties  and  apparent  successes.  '  Let  him  that  glorieth 
glory  in  this,  that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth  Me.'  " 

"  Any  head  of  a  family  who  can  keep  a  dog  or  buy  a 
carpet,  take  a  secular  paper  or  pay  fraternity  fees,  drink 
tea  or  coffee,  and  yet  refuses  to  subscribe  for  such  a  relig- 
ious and  family  necessity  as  a  good  religious  periodical, 
ought  to  find  the  '  anxious  seat '  or  give  some  other  indi- 
cation of  a  change  of  purpose  immediately.  At  any  rate, 
let  him  be  prayed  for. 

*'  But  if  there  is  any  professed  Christian  who  dares  to 
spend  his  Lord's  money  for  tobacco  instead  of  taking  a 
religious  family  paper,  let  him  read  Gal,  6 :  j,?),  and  learn 
the  consequences  of  sowing  to  the  flesh." 

"  Unbelief  is  the  greatest  sin  on  earth.  It  involves  the 
coldest  ingratitude  for  the  richest  blessings,  personal 
abuse  of  the  best  Friend,  rebellion  against  the  best  gov- 
ernment, and  the  loss  of  all  hope." 

"Is  there  anything  in  the  New  Testament,  or  in  the 
nature  of  the  case,  making  it  the  exclusive  duty  of  minis- 
ters to  visit  strangers  and  the  sick,  to  make  religious  calls 
upon  individuals  and  families,  to  personally  invite  sinners 
to  Christ?  From  the  Bible  and  experience,  these  duties 
seem  to  belong  to  Christians  as  such,  and  not  exclusively  to 
the  ministry,  and  yet  most  pastors  are  engaged  for  that  very 
work,  and  not  one  church  member  in  three  hundred  expects 
to  do  any  religious  family  visiting.  They  have  a  hired 
man  to  do  that  work  for  them  !  " 
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A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

**  Those  who  talk  of  duties  to  themselves  ought  to 
understand  they  are  not  law-makers,  even  for  themselves, 
and  that  their  first  law  is  to  God,  who  orders  all  things  for 
the  best.  There  can  be  no  duty  without  a  law,  nor  law 
without  relations,  nor  relations  without  obligations,  nor 
obligations  without  conscience,  nor  conscience  without  in- 
telligence. This  golden  chain  is  fixed  in  nature  by  the 
Creator,  thus  uniting  man  with  God,  earth  with  heaven, 
time  with  eternity." 


THE  FATHERHOOD  OF   GOD   AND  BROTHERHOOD  OF 

MAN. 

[This  article  was  the  last  Dr.  Dunn  wrote  for  publication.] 

According  to  Webster,  there  are  fifteen  different  mean- 
ings to  the  word  "father."  God  is  not  a  father  in  the 
same  sense  that  a  man  is  the  father  of  his  own  children; 
nor  in  the  same  sense  that  the  devil  is  the  father  of  his 
children.  If  he  is  the  father  of  all  men,  as  cause  of  all 
men  and  things,  then  as  universal  cause  he  is  the  father 
of  everything  in  the  mineral,  vegetable,  and  animal  king- 
doms of  nature. 

But  this  phrase  came  into  use  in  the  early  days  of  Uni- 
versalism  as  expressive  of  Divine  sympathy  for  man 
regardless  of  atonement  or  character.  There  are  three 
kinds  of  feelings  possible  respecting  the  sinful  and 
suffering:  (i)  Sympathy,  which  is  purely  instinctive, 
involuntary,  and  without  moral  character.  (2)  Benev- 
olence, which  is  voluntary,  intentional  good-will  to 
being,  and  the  foundation  of  all  good  character.  "  God 
is  love,"  but  not  a  God  of  sympathy.  (3)  Approval  of 
right  or  wrong  in  others.  This,  of  course,  must  be  of  the 
same  moral  character  as  that  which  is  approved. 

A  large  proportion  of  parental  sym.pathies  are  purely 
instinctive,  the  same  in  animal  as  in  human  parents.  The 
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feelings  of  the  bear  and  sheep  are  the  same  respecting 
their  offspring  as  the  first  feelings  of  human  parents. 
These  feelings  assume  moral  character  only  when  they 
come  within  the  force  of  conscience  and  the  will.  To  im- 
agine that  God  is  thus  moved  changes  theism  to  atheism. 
And  worse.  If  God  loves  men  regardless  of  atonement 
and  man's  moral  character,  it  is  infinite  approval  of  their 
character  whatever  it  may  be,  and  thus  mal<es  God  an 
infinite  transgressor  of  his  own  law. 

But  "  God  is  a  Spirit,"  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
do  so  "  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  "  For  God  so  loved  the 
world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting 
life."  And  thus  a  "  new  and  living  way  "  is  provided  for 
membership  in  the  Divine  family.  So  that  one  must  not 
only  be  born  of  water — that  is,  of  the  flesh — but  of  the 
Spirit,  in  order  to  see  the  kingdom  of  God.  His  birth  is 
like  the  natural  only  in  that  it  begins  a  new  life,  and  God 
is  the  "  author  "  of  that  life  of  faith. 

Without  attempting  an  explanation  of  this  "  new  way  " 
and  life,  Christ  reaffirmed  its  necessity  and  reality,  and 
left  Nicodemus  and  all  believers  to  learn  by  its  experience 
the  nature  and  glory  of  its  results,  it  is  unquestionably 
true  that  God  is  our  Creator,  and  that  he  made  man  in  his 
own  mental  image.  Not  in  his  physical  image,  for  he  is 
Spirit  and  not  constituted  of  a  body  of  material  parts. 
Not  in  his  moral  image,  for  moral  character  is  acted,  not 
created,  if  created,  it  is  not  moral  character.  But  man 
was  and  is  in  God's  mental  image.  A  God  without  in- 
ielUgetice,  moral  convictions,  and  will,  or  power  of  choice,  is 
inconceivable.  So  is  man,  having  necessarily  these  three 
traits  of  the  divine  Creator. 

So  man  is  a  creation  of  God,  but  not  a  child  unless  he  is 
"  born  of  the  Spirit."  So  the  oldest  member  of  Congress 
may  be  the  "father  of  the  house,"  but  he  would  not  be 
377 


A  CONSECRATED  LIFE 

well  pleased  to  own  them  all  as  his  children,  any  more 
than  a  carriage  maker  would  call  his  carriage  his  child. 
There  are  many  brotherhoods  among  men, — brotherhoods 
of  lawyers,  doctors,  and  scientists ;  of  Masons,  Odd  Fel- 
lows, and  Knights  ;  Methodists,  Baptists,  and  Presbyte- 
rians ;  of  drunkards,  thieves,  and  robbers  ;  but  that  every 
man  should  look  upon  a  drunkard  in  the  ditch  or  murderer 
upon  the  scaffold  as  his  brother,  is  absurd ;  it  is  not  true 
except  in  a  figurative  sense. 


Zi^ 


378 


